Automated Film Width Control via Screw-Nut Scraper

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing paper coating systems struggle with adjusting the width of the surface film deposited on paper, leading to excess film accumulation and production losses due to manual adjustment limitations, which disrupts production and affects quality.

Innovation Solution

An automated device with fixed and mobile scraper members, actuated by a screw-nut mechanism and tilting cylinders, allows for precise adjustment of the film width without stopping the production line, enabling flexible adaptation to various paper formats and minimizing waste.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If manual scraping devices are used to adjust film width, then film deposition width can be controlled, but production must be stopped and manual intervention is required for format changes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilm width control precisionVSAvoidproduction continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the static manual scraping device into a dynamic automated system. The mobile scraper member can move along the transfer drum circumference and adjust its position automatically based on the paper format, allowing the system to adapt to different production requirements without manual intervention or production stoppage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The automated displacement mechanism enables the scraping device to self-adjust to the required film width based on pre-programmed parameters or sensor feedback, eliminating the need for manual operation. The system serves itself by automatically positioning the scraper and maintaining optimal film width control throughout production.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual scraping devices are used, then film width can be adjusted, but positioning errors occur and quality cannot be guaranteed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilm width adaptabilityVSAvoidfilm width positioning accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical adjustment system with an automated displacement mechanism that uses motorized actuation and precise control systems. This substitution eliminates human error in positioning and provides consistent, repeatable film width control across different formats and production runs.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor the film deposition width and automatically adjust the scraper position to maintain precision. This closed-loop control ensures that positioning accuracy is maintained regardless of variations in paper format or production conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of manufacture

If fixed film width deposition is used, then setup is simple, but excess film accumulates on off-size edges causing quality issues

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem setup simplicityVSAvoidexcess film accumulation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from a fixed, static scraper configuration to a dynamic mobile scraper that can automatically adjust its position along the transfer drum. This allows the film deposition width to be dynamically matched to the paper format, preventing excess film accumulation on off-size edges while maintaining simple operation through automation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Manufacturing precision

If the scraper width is set greater than paper width, then complete coverage is achieved, but excess film is deposited on off-size edges

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilm coverage completenessVSAvoidfilm material waste
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically changes the operational parameter of film deposition width by adjusting the mobile scraper position according to the detected paper format. This parameter adaptation ensures complete coverage of the paper surface while minimizing film waste by precisely matching the deposition width to the actual paper width rather than using a fixed oversized setting.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

The solution enables continuous paper production with improved film width adjustment precision, reducing production stoppages and quality issues, and optimizing film usage by automatically adjusting the deposition width to match changing paper formats.

Implementation Method 1

the transport is of the screw-nut type and the support carriage is mounted integral with a nut cooperating with a threaded shaft actuated in rotation by a motor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectScrew mechanism: Screw

Implementation Method 2

the means for tilting the mobile scraping members on the transfer drum comprise at least one tilting cylinder, said cylinder allowing the application or removal of said scraping member on the transfer drum

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic or pneumatic actuation: Hydraulic Press

Implementation Method 3

at least one fixed scraper member capable of rubbing against said transfer drum of said surface film and adapted to delimit the maximum width of the film to be deposited

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP2233215B1Device for regulating the width of a film surface on a paper web
Publication Date: 2014.08.27 ALLIMAND
  • EP2233215B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2233215B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2233215B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The device comprises a fixed scraping member (3) to rub against a transfer drum (2) of the surface film and to define the maximum (Lmax) width of the film to be deposited, and a movable scraping body (11, 12) to move along a first direction normal to the surface of the transfer drum and to a direction parallel to a generator for transferring the drum. The device is intended to connect with the drum for transferring the film on the paper strip. The movable scraping member connects with an automated shifting mechanism (13) to adjust the width (L) of the surface film on the transfer drum. The device comprises a fixed scraping member (3) to rub against a transfer drum (2) of the surface film and to define the maximum (Lmax) width of the film to be deposited, and a movable scraping body (11, 12) to move along a first direction normal to the surface of the transfer drum and to a direction parallel to a generator for transferring the drum. The device is intended to connect with the drum for transferring the film on the paper strip. The movable scraping member connects with an automated shifting mechanism (13) to adjust the width (L) of the surface film on the transfer drum between a minimum value (Lmin) and maximum value(Lmax) determined by the fixed scraping body. The automated shifting mechanism comprises a carriage (15) for rotating movable scraping member in a direction parallel to a generator of the transfer drum and a unit for tilting the movable scraping body on the transfer drum. The rotating carriage comprises a cart for supporting movable scraping member and a motor for shifting the cart rotating along a direction parallel to a generator of the transfer drum provided using a guiding unit. The carriage is made of screw-nut and the support cart is fixed by a nut connecting with a threaded axis rotated by the motor. The tilting unit comprises a cylinder. The movable scraping member and the fixed scraping member are vertically spaced with respect to each other. The automated shifting mechanism allows a partial superposition of the movable scraping member with fixed scraping member. The fixed and movable scraping members each comprises a friction doctor blade on the drum, and a cup for recovering of scraped surface film on the drum. The cup for recovery is laid under the friction blade for recovering the surface film flowing under gravity under the plate after scraping of the surface of the transferring drum. An independent claim is included for a system for application of a surface film on a paper strip.