Electrostatic Adhesion for Nonwoven Web Transport on Conveyor Belts

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Solution Overview

Problem

Nonwoven strips experience slippage during ascending transport and variable-speed operations due to gravity, smooth conveyor belts, and unconsolidated layers, limiting production rate, inclination angle, and speed changes in crosslappers.

Innovation Solution

Electrostatic charging of the nonwoven strip and transport belt to create an ionizing field that adheres the nonwoven to the conveyor belt, preventing slippage and allowing for increased speeds and angles of inclination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the transport belt operates at higher speeds to increase production rate, then productivity improves, but slippage of the nonwoven strip increases due to gravity and inertia

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction rateVSAvoidslippage control
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical friction-based adhesion with electrostatic adhesion. Ionization means generate ions that charge the nonwoven strip, creating electrostatic attraction between the strip and the transport belt. This electrostatic force substitutes for mechanical friction, enabling reliable transport at higher speeds without slippage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical state of the transport system by introducing electrostatic charge. The ionization means generate ions that alter the electrical charge parameter of the nonwoven strip, transforming it from a neutral state to a charged state. This parameter change creates electrostatic adhesion that prevents slippage during high-speed transport.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If the angle of inclination of the ascending transport portion is increased to save space, then device complexity reduces, but slippage increases due to gravity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransport belt configurationVSAvoidslippage control
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical friction-based adhesion with electrostatic adhesion. Ionization means generate ions that charge the nonwoven strip, creating electrostatic attraction between the strip and the transport belt. This electrostatic force substitutes for mechanical friction, enabling reliable transport at higher speeds without slippage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical state of the transport system by introducing electrostatic charge. The ionization means generate ions that alter the electrical charge parameter of the nonwoven strip, transforming it from a neutral state to a charged state. This parameter change creates electrostatic adhesion that prevents slippage during high-speed transport.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If sudden changes in speed (acceleration and deceleration) are implemented to improve response time, then productivity improves, but slippage increases due to inertia

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresponse timeVSAvoidslippage control
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical friction-based adhesion with electrostatic adhesion. Ionization means generate ions that charge the nonwoven strip, creating electrostatic attraction between the strip and the transport belt. This electrostatic force substitutes for mechanical friction, enabling reliable transport at higher speeds without slippage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical state of the transport system by introducing electrostatic charge. The ionization means generate ions that alter the electrical charge parameter of the nonwoven strip, transforming it from a neutral state to a charged state. This parameter change creates electrostatic adhesion that prevents slippage during high-speed transport.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Loss of energy

If a smooth conveyor belt is used to reduce friction and energy loss, then energy efficiency improves, but slippage increases due to reduced adhesion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefriction lossVSAvoidslippage control
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical friction-based adhesion with electrostatic adhesion. Ionization means generate ions that charge the nonwoven strip, creating electrostatic attraction between the strip and the transport belt. This electrostatic force substitutes for mechanical friction, enabling reliable transport at higher speeds without slippage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical state of the transport system by introducing electrostatic charge. The ionization means generate ions that alter the electrical charge parameter of the nonwoven strip, transforming it from a neutral state to a charged state. This parameter change creates electrostatic adhesion that prevents slippage during high-speed transport.

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 electrostatic adherence enables stable transport of nonwoven strips at higher speeds and steeper angles without compromising quality, enhancing production efficiency and reducing slippage issues.

Implementation Method 1

the strip of nonwoven and/or the transport strip is electrostatically charged, so as to cause the strip of nonwoven to adhere to the surface of the transport strip

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrostatic charging: Electrostatics

Implementation Method 2

said transport assembly comprises ionization means which, in operation, make it possible to electrostatically charge the strip of nonwoven and/or the transport strip

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectIonization: Ionisation

Data Source

PatentEP1798175B1Transport of a non-woven web by means of a conveyor belt with an ascending portion and/or a variable speed
Publication Date: 2016.04.06 ANDRITZ ASSELIN THIBEAU
  • EP1798175B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1798175B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The procedure for transporting a strip of a non-woven material (WE) on a conveyor belt (100) that has at least one section (100a) where it rises at an angle and/or varies in speed differs by applying an electrostatic charge to the strip and/or conveyor belt in the aforementioned section, with the charge covering at least the full width of the non-woven material. The electrostatic charge is supplied by an ioniser (15) with at least one ionising bar located above and close to the conveyor belt's rising and/or variable speed section.