Electrostatic Holding for Multilayer Nonwoven Web Transport

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Solution Overview

Problem

The formation and transport of multilayer nonwoven strips are hindered by degradation risks, particularly due to aerodynamic disturbances and changes in direction, leading to issues like lifting and detachment of layers, which affect the quality and speed of the nonwoven web.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of an ionization system that generates an electrostatic field to charge and adhere the nonwoven layers to a transport surface, preventing detachment and maintaining layer alignment during changes in direction and compression.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the transport speed of the multilayer nonwoven strip is increased, then productivity is improved, but the risk of layer detachment and degradation increases due to aerodynamic disturbances

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransport speedVSAvoidlayer stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies electrostatic charging to convert the harmful aerodynamic forces that cause layer detachment into a beneficial holding force. By charging the transport surface and nonwoven layers, the electrostatic attraction counteracts the detrimental aerodynamic disturbances, allowing high-speed transport while maintaining layer stability and preventing degradation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical adhesion methods (such as mechanical bonding or physical compression) with electrostatic holding. The electrostatic field generated by charging the transport surface and nonwoven layers provides a contactless holding force that maintains layer stability during high-speed transport without the need for mechanical pressure or complex mechanical bonding systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Stability of the object's composition

If the nonwoven layers are slightly compressed to form a thick multilayer strip, then the structural integrity is improved, but the lifting and turning over of layers occurs when exiting the boundary air layer

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidlifting and turning over

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The electrostatic holding force converts the harmful lifting and turning over effects into a beneficial stabilizing force. The electrostatic attraction between the charged transport surface and nonwoven layers, as well as between adjacent nonwoven layers, counteracts the aerodynamic lifting forces that occur when the strip exits the boundary air layer, maintaining structural integrity without requiring excessive compression.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the electrical parameter of the system by introducing electrostatic charging. By controlling the electrostatic charge on the transport surface and nonwoven layers, the holding force can be adjusted to maintain layer stability during transport and direction changes, allowing the nonwoven layers to maintain their compressed state without experiencing lifting or turning over.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If electrostatic charging is applied to hold the nonwoven strip, then layer detachment is prevented, but additional equipment and process complexity are introduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadhesion stabilityVSAvoidelectrostatic system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical adhesion systems with a relatively simple electrostatic charging system. Instead of using mechanical pressure, complex bonding mechanisms, or multiple transport surfaces, the invention uses electrostatic charging of the transport surface and nonwoven layers to provide reliable adhesion stability with minimal equipment complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 method effectively prevents layer detachment and maintains the integrity of the multilayer nonwoven strip during transport, allowing for increased speed and quality by ensuring continuous adhesion and compression of the layers.

Implementation Method 1

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

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic adhesion: Electrostatics

Implementation Method 2

an ionization system that generates an electrostatic field to charge and adhere the nonwoven layers

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIonization: Ionisation

Data Source

PatentEP1777187B1Method and arrangement for forming a multilayer nonwoven web with electrostatic holding of this nonwoven web

Publication Date: 2010.12.29 ASSELIN THIBEAU

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AI summary

The method for producing and transporting multi-layer webs (W) of non-woven textile comprises feeding additional non-woven webs (W2, W3) on to a base layer (W1) moving along a conveyor belt (40). The base layer or the surface of the belt is electrostatically charged. An independent claim is included for a system for carrying out the method.