Fabric Calendering with Deformable Contrast Cylinders for Permanent Shine

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional fabric calendering systems face limitations in achieving permanent stabilization and shiny appearance, with high chemical product usage, equipment wear, and increased costs, while traditional methods often damage the fabric structure and require complex maintenance.

Innovation Solution

The method employs contrast cylinders with elastically deformable surfaces for intense squeezing and controlled thermal action, eliminating the need for a water-repellent belt, allowing for higher mechanical constraint and reduced chemical product usage, achieving permanent structural and visual stabilization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If conventional calendering systems (shoe, roll, or belt) are used to reduce fabric thickness and create shiny appearance, then the fabric thickness is reduced and surface shininess is achieved, but the shiny appearance is temporary and unstable, requiring chemical products for permanent stabilization

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefabric surface shininessVSAvoidpermanence of shiny appearance
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the physical-chemical parameters of the fabric by subjecting it to controlled moisture, heat, and mechanical pressure in a specific sequence. The fabric is moistened, then pressed between heated cylinders at controlled temperatures (100-200°C) and pressures (1-5 kg/cm²), creating permanent molecular rearrangement that stabilizes the shiny appearance without chemical agents

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention utilizes phase transition of water (liquid to vapor) during the calendering process. Moisture applied to the fabric evaporates under the heat and pressure between the cylinders, creating steam that penetrates the fabric structure and facilitates permanent setting of the calendered effect, eliminating the need for chemical stabilization products

Inventive Principle:
Principle #36Phase transitions

2Stability of the object's composition

If chemical products are used during belt calendering to achieve permanent shiny appearance, then the shiny appearance becomes permanent, but equipment wear increases and operational costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepermanence of shiny appearanceVSAvoidequipment maintenance complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention employs a self-service approach where the fabric itself, through controlled application of moisture and heat, creates the conditions for permanent stabilization. The water applied to the fabric serves as both the moisture source and the heat transfer medium, eliminating the need for external chemical agents that would require complex removal or stabilization systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the chemical system with a physical system based on controlled moisture and heat application. Instead of using chemical products that require sophisticated delivery, monitoring, and removal systems, the process uses simple mechanical application of water and thermal energy, significantly simplifying equipment design and maintenance

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

3Stress or pressure

If high pressure is applied in roll calendering to concentrate pressure in little space, then the thickness reduction effect is enhanced, but fabric stretching and structural damage occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressure concentrationVSAvoidfabric stretching and damage
Core Design Contradiction:
Stress or pressureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention introduces dynamic elements to the calendering process by using cylinders with independently adjustable pressures and temperatures, and by controlling the moisture content of the fabric before pressing. This dynamic control allows optimization of pressure distribution to achieve thickness reduction without excessive concentration that would cause fabric damage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention applies moisture to the fabric before the pressing operation, which acts as a cushioning agent. This preliminary moistening prevents direct excessive mechanical stress on the fabric fibers during pressing, reducing the risk of stretching and structural damage while still achieving the desired thickness reduction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 approach results in a higher rate of continuous, permanent stabilization and shininess with reduced chemical consumption and lower operational costs, using robust and durable components, suitable for various fiber types.

Implementation Method 1

cylinders with elastically deformable surfaces for intense squeezing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

administration of thermal energy

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal energy: Heating

Implementation Method 3

the moisture present or induced on the fabric, exposed in a hot and closed environment (i.e., the space between the cylinder and the belt) causes formation of steam

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Data Source

PatentEP1863964B1Method and apparatus for fabric calendering
Publication Date: 2011.12.28 T M T MANENTI
  • EP1863964B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP1863964B1 patent drawingFigure 4
  • EP1863964B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

An apparatus for continuous calendering of fabrics comprises a first operating unit (20) with devices for surface moistening (27) of the fabric (3) and/or means for impregnation (28) of the fabric (3) with treatment liquids, and with cylinders (23, 24) for exerting on the fabric (3) a mechanical action of lateral pressing, and at least one second operating unit (30, 30a) for subjecting the fabric (3) to a condition of intense lateral pressing without the aid of a water-repellent belt.