Deformation Element With Integrated Ejection for Cellulose Mould Release

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dry-forming methods for cellulose products face challenges in efficiently removing the formed products from the forming mould without the need for costly and complex mechanical removal devices, which are time-consuming and complicated.

Innovation Solution

Incorporation of an ejection element in the deformation element that expands from a compressed state to a non-compressed state to separate the formed cellulose products from the mould, allowing for efficient and simple removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If mechanical removal devices are used to remove cellulose products from the forming mould, then the removal operation becomes more reliable, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremoval operation reliabilityVSAvoidforming mould complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The deformation element performs the removal function itself through its elastic recovery. The ejection element is integrated into the deformation element and automatically ejects the cellulose product when the deformation element returns to its original shape after forming, eliminating the need for separate mechanical removal devices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The ejection function is merged with the deformation element by integrating the ejection element into it. This combination allows the deformation element to serve both forming and ejection functions, reducing the overall number of components and simplifying the forming mould design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If mechanical removal devices are used to remove cellulose products from the forming mould, then the removal operation becomes more reliable, but the production time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremoval operation reliabilityVSAvoidproduction time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The deformation element performs the removal function itself through its elastic recovery. The ejection element is integrated into the deformation element and automatically ejects the cellulose product when the deformation element returns to its original shape after forming, eliminating the need for separate mechanical removal devices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The forming and ejection operations are performed continuously without interruption. The deformation element first forms the cellulose product, then automatically ejects it through its elastic recovery, allowing the mould to be ready for the next cycle immediately without additional removal time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Strength

If dry-forming methods are used instead of wet-forming methods, then the mechanical strength and flexibility of cellulose products improve, but the removal of formed products from the mould becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical strengthVSAvoidproduct removal ease

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The deformation element performs the removal function itself through its elastic recovery. The ejection element is integrated into the deformation element and automatically ejects the cellulose product when the deformation element returns to its original shape after forming, eliminating the need for separate mechanical removal devices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical state parameter of the deformation element between compressed and uncompressed states. When compressed during forming, the deformation element conforms to the mould cavity. When released, it expands back to its original shape, creating a separation force that ejects the cellulose product

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

The ejection element facilitates fast and efficient removal of cellulose products from the mould, eliminating the need for mechanical devices and simplifying the construction of the forming mould.

Implementation Method 1

during the dry-forming of the cellulose products, the cellulose blank structure is subjected to a high forming pressure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Implementation Method 2

The ejection element is configured for separating the formed cellulose products from the deformation element upon expansion of the deformation element and/or the ejection element from a compressed state to the non-compressed state

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic recovery: Elastic Recovery

Data Source

PatentUS20250369193A1Deformation element, forming mould comprising a deformation element and method for forming cellulose products

Publication Date: 2025.12.04 PULPAC AB

AI summary

A deformation element for forming three-dimensional cellulose products from an air-formed cellulose blank structure in a forming mould. The deformation element includes an ejection element arranged for ejecting the cellulose products from the deformation element after forming of the cellulose products in the forming mould. The ejection element is arranged as a protruding body extending in a pressing direction of the deformation element relative to a surrounding surface of the deformation element in a non-compressed state. The ejection element is configured for separating the formed cellulose products from the deformation element upon expansion of the deformation element and/or the ejection element from a compressed state to the non-compressed state after the forming of the cellulose products in the forming mould.