Fibrous Web Stabilizing Element for Paper Machine Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for stabilizing fibrous webs during transfer in paper machines are complex and require energy to generate vacuum, leading to friction and dust accumulation, making them inefficient and prone to web instability and tears.

Innovation Solution

A stabilizing element is positioned between the rotating roller and the following machine element to stabilize the fibrous web without vacuum, allowing for passive stabilization and easy installation/removal, which can be adjusted to cover the web partially or completely, preventing uncontrolled movement and tears.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a stabilizing device acts on the underside of the fibrous web using negative pressure, then the remaining web is stabilized, but the device becomes complex and requires energy consumption

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability of remaining webVSAvoidcomplexity of stabilizing device
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the complex vacuum-based mechanical stabilization system with a simple airflow system. Air is blown onto the remaining web to stabilize it, eliminating the need for vacuum pumps, complex piping, and energy-consuming equipment while achieving the same stabilization effect

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

2Stability of the object's composition

If negative pressure is used to stabilize the fiber web, then the web is stabilized, but friction occurs between the web and stationary stabilization devices causing dust accumulation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability of fiber webVSAvoiddust accumulation
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces contact-based mechanical stabilization with non-contact airflow stabilization. By blowing air onto the remaining web, the system stabilizes the web without physical contact, thereby eliminating friction between the web and stabilization devices and preventing dust accumulation

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

3Area of moving object

If the transfer strip is widened by moving the separating device transversely, then more web is transferred to the target area, but the remaining web becomes narrower and less stable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewidth of transfer stripVSAvoidstability of remaining web
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of moving objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces air as an intermediary substance to stabilize the remaining web during the widening process. By blowing air onto the remaining web, the system provides stabilizing force without physical contact, allowing the transfer strip to be widened while maintaining the stability of the remaining web

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Stability of the object's composition

If vacuum stabilization is used, then the web is stabilized during transfer, but energy is required to generate the vacuum

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability of web during transferVSAvoidenergy consumption for vacuum generation
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention substitutes energy-intensive vacuum generation with a simple airflow system. By directing air onto the remaining web, the system achieves stabilization without requiring vacuum pumps or significant energy input, making the process more energy-efficient

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

Data Source

PatentEP4077804B1Device and method for transferring a fibrous material web
Publication Date: 2023.03.01 VOITH PATENT GMBH
  • EP4077804B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4077804B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4077804B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for transferring a web (9) of paper, cardboard, tissue or other fibre material, in a machine for producing and/or finishing same, to a target region (1). A separating device (2) is provided for separating the fibrous material web (9) into a transfer strip (3) and a residual web (20). The transfer strip (3) and the residual web (20) are guided over a rotating roller (4). The separating device (2) is designed to be movable transversely with respect to the web running direction (7) to widen the transfer strip (3). The device (1) according to the invention is characterised in that a stabilising element (6) can be positioned in the region of the residual web (20) between the rotating roller (4) and the following machine element (5) before or during the widening of the transfer strip (3), the stabilising element (6) at least partially covering the residual web (20), and the residual web (20) being led away downwards between the rotating roller (4) and the stabilising element (6). The invention also relates to a method for transferring a fibrous material web.