Fabric Basic Structure for Paper Machines

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for producing basic structures for paper machines are labor-intensive, inflexible, and require precise length measurements, leading to moiré effects and inability to meet different requirements on the running and paper sides.

Innovation Solution

A basic structure comprising at least four elements, including two flat fabrics and two loop elements, where the loop elements are produced independently of the covering dimensions, allowing for different fabric types and reducing moiré effects by offsetting fabric edges and using separate loop elements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If circular weaving is used to produce endless fabric loops, then the structure has no seams and provides stability, but the manufacturing method is very slow and labor-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The fabric is divided into two separate flat woven fabric pieces instead of being produced as a single endless loop. Each piece can be manufactured independently and rapidly using flat weaving, then joined together to form the covering. This segmentation enables high-speed production while maintaining structural integrity through the joining of the two pieces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If flat woven fabrics are used with both layers consisting of the same fabric, then rapid production is enabled, but moiré effects occur and different requirements for running side and paper side cannot be met

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction speedVSAvoidmoiré effects
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The two flat woven fabric pieces are designed with different local qualities - different weave patterns, thread densities, or material compositions - to suit the specific requirements of the running side and paper side respectively. This differentiation eliminates moiré effects that occur when identical fabrics overlap, while each layer optimally performs its specific function in the covering structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the weave pattern is changed during the weaving process to reduce moiré effects, then different fabric requirements can be met, but the length of the fabric must be known during production

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemoiré effectsVSAvoiddesign flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The two flat woven fabric pieces with different weave patterns are produced in advance as separate components with standardized dimensions. By preparing these differentiated fabric pieces beforehand, the design flexibility is maintained - the pieces can be selected and combined in various configurations - while avoiding the constraint of needing to know the exact final length during the weaving process itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Ease of manufacture

If both layers of the two-layer structure consist of the same fabric, then production is simplified, but the different requirements for running side and paper side cannot be accommodated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction simplicityVSAvoidside-specific requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Each of the two flat woven fabric pieces is tailored with specific local qualities appropriate for its intended side - the running side fabric is optimized for smooth operation and the paper side fabric for paper web interaction. This allows the covering to meet different functional requirements on each side while maintaining relatively simple manufacturing processes for each individual piece.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP4010528B1Basic structure of a fabric for a machine for producing or processing a fibrous web, and method for producing said basic structure
Publication Date: 2026.04.15 VOITH PATENT GMBH
  • EP4010528B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP4010528B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4010528B1 patent drawingFigure 2a

AI summary

The invention relates to a basic structure of a fabric for a machine for producing or processing a fibrous web, in particular a paper, cardboard or tissue web, comprising at least a first flat fabric of fabric type A and a second flat fabric of fabric type B, wherein, furthermore, the basic structure comprises two loop elements, wherein the loop elements are formed in each case from a flat fabric piece which has a first portion of fabric type A and a second portion of fabric type B, and wherein the first portion is laid down on the second portion in such a way that the folding point is configured at a spacing of less than 5 cm, in particular less than 1 cm, from the changeover position between fabric type A and fabric type B, and wherein the first and the second flat fabric are arranged above one another, and the two loop elements are arranged in each case at a face-side end.