Dimpled Liner Backing for Wet Fiber Agglomerator
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Solution Overview
Problem
The flexing of dimpled or textured liners on vibrating surfaces during the agglomeration process affects the uniformity and properties of the agglomerated material, leading to variations in size and performance.
Innovation Solution
A non-compressible material is placed between the dimpled or textured liner and the vibrating surface to stabilize the liner, reducing flexing and enhancing the uniformity and performance of the agglomerated products.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a dimpled or textured liner is clamped and tack welded to the curved vibrating surface, then the liner can be easily replaced and the working surface can have different texture patterns, but the liner flexes during operation causing variation in agglomerate size uniformity
Solution Approach 1:
The liner is nested within a cavity formed by the curved surface and end walls, creating a contained space that prevents liner flexing while allowing the liner to maintain its replaceable and reconfigurable characteristics. The cavity structure supports the liner from behind, eliminating the flexing problem while preserving the ease of manufacture benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The cavity acts as an intermediary structure between the liner and the external environment, providing mechanical support to the liner and preventing flexing during vibration. This intermediary structure allows the liner to remain easily replaceable while eliminating the harmful flexing effect on agglomerate uniformity.
2Reliability
If the liner is securely attached with clamps and welds, then the liner remains in place during operation, but the liner still flexes between attachment points due to vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The liner is nested within a cavity that provides continuous support along its entire length, not just at discrete attachment points. This nested structure eliminates flexing between clamps and welds while maintaining the liner's secure attachment and position stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The cavity structure provides beforehand support to the liner, preventing flexing before it can occur during vibration. This pre-support structure eliminates the need for frequent attachment points while maintaining liner stability and agglomerate uniformity.
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 use of a non-compressible backing material significantly reduces the variation in agglomerate size and improves the uniformity and performance characteristics of the agglomerated products, particularly in reinforcement applications.
Implementation Method 1
the vibrating forces supplied by the vibration generator connected in known ways to the curved surface
Implementation Method 2
the dimpled or textured sheet portions between the welds flex during operation, much like the top of a tin can - popping in and out
Implementation Method 3
The term 'wave chamber' designates the type of action that the working surface produces in the chopped strand segments and agglomerates, moving the material upward on the working surface like an ocean wave and curling it over the top to slide back downwardly inside the chamber
Implementation Method 4
The working surface of the agglomerator has a dimpled or textured or other form of a non-stick surface to reduce the tendency of the wet chopped strand segments to stick and build-up
Data Source
Figure 1A~1E
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
A system for making agglomerates from material like wet chopped glass fiber strand segments is disclosed. Agglomerates, made by feeding wet chopped fiber strand segments into a wave chamber having a vibrating curved surface supporting a curved, dimpled liner working surface have improved density and flow characteristics compared with dry chopped strands, but it was discovered that the dimpled liner flexes during operation during vibration causing undesirable variation in properties like agglomerate size. In the invention the dimpled liner is backed up with a substantially non-compressible material and this results in agglomerates that have even better uniformity of flow and agglomerate diameters. Typical backing materials include a particulate material, an elastomer, a rigidized elastomer, slurry or liquid, or wire or slivers of metal.