Defibrator-Separator Layout for Stable Fiber Sheet Forming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sheet manufacturing apparatuses face issues with fibers getting retained between the defibrating mechanism and the separation mechanism due to vibration, leading to unstable fiber supply and quality deterioration in the manufactured sheets.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus is designed with the separator disposed directly below the defibrator, and the introduction duct of the separator facing the discharge duct of the defibrator, along with the use of buffer members and gaskets to suppress vibration propagation and prevent fiber retention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a flexible pipe is used to couple the defibrating mechanism and separation mechanism to suppress vibration propagation, then vibration propagation is suppressed, but fibers are likely to be retained in the coupling portion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the flexible pipe from the system entirely. Instead of using a flexible pipe to connect the defibrating mechanism and separation mechanism, it directly couples them, thereby eliminating the source of fiber retention while using other means (rigid coupling with vibration isolation) to suppress vibration propagation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a rigid coupling structure with vibration isolation features as an intermediary between the defibrating mechanism and separation mechanism. This intermediary directly connects the two mechanisms while incorporating vibration suppression capabilities, replacing the flexible pipe and eliminating fiber retention issues.
2Manufacturing precision
If the defibrating mechanism and separation mechanism are directly coupled to eliminate flexible pipe connections, then fiber retention is prevented, but vibration propagation may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates vibration isolation features in advance within the rigid coupling structure. By designing the coupling portion with built-in vibration suppression capabilities before vibration occurs, the system prevents vibration propagation while maintaining direct connection to eliminate fiber retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the coupling structure by using a rigid connection with integrated vibration isolation features. This modifies the mechanical properties of the connection, allowing it to transmit fibers efficiently while suppressing vibration through its structural design.
3Ease of manufacture
If a step is formed in the internal path of the coupling portion, then connection between mechanisms is achieved, but fibers are retained around the step
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the internal path of the coupling portion with smooth curved transitions instead of sharp steps. By replacing angular connections with curved surfaces, the system maintains ease of manufacture while eliminating fiber retention points that would otherwise occur at step transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the geometric parameters of the coupling structure by eliminating steps and creating a smooth internal path. This changes the surface topology from discontinuous to continuous, preventing fiber retention while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standardized smooth-bore components.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration ensures a stable fiber supply, improving the accuracy of fiber sorting and enhancing the quality of the manufactured sheets by minimizing fiber retention and vibration interference.
Implementation Method 1
a discharge duct that conveys the defibrated material to the separator
Implementation Method 2
an accumulation unit that causes the fiber supplied from the separator to accumulate by an airflow to form a web
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet manufacturing apparatus includes a defibrator that includes a defibrating blade and a discharge duct, defibrates a material with the defibrating blade, and discharges a defibrated material containing a fiber from the discharge duct, a separator that includes an introduction duct and a separation filter, receives the defibrated material from the introduction duct, and separates and extracts the fiber from the defibrated material with the separation filter, an accumulation unit that causes the fiber supplied from the separator to accumulate to form a web, and a forming unit that compresses the web to form a sheet, and the separator is disposed directly below the defibrator, and a leading end of the introduction duct is disposed to face a leading end of the discharge duct.