Flat Belt Torsional Rigidity via Composite Fabric Layers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flat belts lack sufficient torsional rigidity, which is essential for applications like the folder-gluer where cardboard needs to be bent, and they are not suitable for devices with small diameter pulleys due to their cord structure.
Innovation Solution
A flat belt design featuring a longitudinal reinforcement fabric with thermoplastic resin layers and lateral reinforcement fabrics, along with friction layers for improved torsional and lateral rigidity, flexibility, and durability, allowing for effective cardboard bending and use with small pulleys.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a conventional flat belt with cords and reinforcement fabrics is used, then lateral strength and flexural rigidity are provided, but torsional rigidity is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite structure combining thermoplastic elastomer layers with fabric reinforcement layers (warp-knit and weft-knit fabrics). This composite material approach creates anisotropic mechanical properties where the fabric layers provide directional reinforcement for torsional rigidity while the thermoplastic matrix maintains flexibility for small pulley applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces directionally oriented fabric layers with specific knit structures (warp-knit and weft-knit) positioned at different orientations within the belt. This local quality differentiation provides enhanced torsional rigidity in specific directions while maintaining overall flexibility, resolving the contradiction between rigidity and adaptability to small pulleys.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the flat belt is twisted 90 degrees about the longitudinal axis for cardboard bending, then the bending function is achieved, but the insufficient torsional rigidity causes performance degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-layer composite structure with thermoplastic elastomer and oriented fabric reinforcements provides the necessary torsional rigidity to withstand 90-degree twisting for cardboard bending while maintaining the flexibility required for the belt's overall function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds dimensional complexity through multiple fabric layers oriented at different angles (warp-knit and weft-knit structures). This multi-dimensional reinforcement architecture enables the belt to handle torsional loads during cardboard bending while preserving flexibility for other operational requirements.
Data Source
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AI summary
A flat belt (10) has a longitudinal reinforcement fabric (11) to reinforce the flat belt (10) along the longitudinal direction. A first thermoplastic resin layer (12) is laminated on an upper side of the longitudinal reinforcement fabric (11). A second thermoplastic resin layer (13) is laminated on a lower side of the longitudinal reinforcement fabric (11). A first lateral reinforcement fabric (14)is laminated on an upper side of the first thermoplastic resin layer (12) to reinforce the flat belt (10) along the lateral direction. A second lateral reinforcement fabric (15) is laminated on a lower side of the second thermoplastic resin layer (13) to reinforce the flat belt (10) along the lateral direction. A first friction layer (18) is provided above an upper side of the first lateral reinforcement fabric (14), and is formed with a conveyer surface (18a) for conveying a subject.