Fiber Web Thickness Measurement via Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for processing paper fibers face challenges in accurately measuring the thickness of accumulated fibers due to surface peaks and valleys, leading to significant variations in measured thickness.
Innovation Solution
A measuring device comprising a distributor to disperse fiber material, an accumulator to form a web, a compression device to compress the web, and a measurement device to measure the thickness, which can include a pressure roller and displacement member or a suction device to accurately determine the thickness of the compressed web.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If light reflection method is used to measure thickness of accumulated fiber, then non-contact measurement is enabled, but measurement precision deteriorates due to surface peaks and valleys causing significant variation
Solution Approach 1:
The compression device compresses the accumulated fiber web before thickness measurement is performed. This preliminary compression action levels the surface peaks and valleys, creating a more uniform surface that enables accurate optical thickness measurement without contact
2Measurement precision
If compression is applied to accumulated fiber before measurement, then measurement precision is improved by reducing surface variation, but device complexity increases due to additional compression mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The compression device is integrated into the existing fiber processing line, combining the compression function with the web handling system. The compression rollers are positioned within the existing structural framework, merging multiple functions into a unified system rather than adding completely separate equipment
3Reliability
If multiple measurement devices are disposed along conveyance direction, then measurement reliability is improved by capturing thickness variation, but device complexity and measurement time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system is divided into multiple measurement sections positioned at different locations along the conveyance direction. Each measurement device measures thickness at a specific segment of the web, allowing comprehensive coverage of thickness variation while maintaining independent, simple measurement units
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
Enables precise measurement of the thickness of accumulated fibers, reducing variations and ensuring consistent quality of processed paper products by compressing and measuring the web effectively.
Implementation Method 1
the compression device has a suction device configured to suction air current through the accumulated material
Implementation Method 2
the compression device includes a pressure roller that contacts the accumulated material and applies pressure to the accumulated material
Data Source
AI summary
The thickness of accumulated fiber can be appropriately measured when accumulating and processing fiber. A measuring device includes a distributor 60 that disperses material containing fiber; a mesh belt 72 that accumulates material dispersed by the distributor 60; a roller unit 650 that compresses a second web W2 accumulated on the mesh belt 72; and a measurement device 400 that measures the thickness of the second web W2 after compression by the roller unit 650.