Integrated Antistatic Device for Moving Material Webs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing antistatic devices for moving webs of material are cumbersome, require complex connections, and consume excessive energy, making them difficult to operate and maintain, while also posing safety risks due to electrostatic discharges.

Innovation Solution

A compact antistatic device with integrated active electrode arrangements and power electronics within a single housing, featuring needle-shaped electrodes connected to a high-voltage source and a controller, which reduces electrostatic charges by applying controlled voltages and includes a sensor system and signaling device for improved usability and safety.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional antistatic devices are used with separate external high-voltage sources and multiple connections, then electrostatic charges can be neutralized, but the device complexity and installation complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrostatic charge neutralizationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the high-voltage source, controller, and electrode arrangements into a single integrated housing unit. This merging of previously separate components (external high-voltage source, control system, and electrodes) into one self-contained device reduces installation complexity and the number of external connections required, while maintaining the electrostatic charge neutralization function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If traditional antistatic devices with external high-voltage sources are used, then electrostatic charges can be removed, but the space requirements and installation effort increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrostatic charge removalVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

By integrating the high-voltage source and control system into the same housing as the electrode arrangements, the patent creates a plug-and-play device that requires minimal installation effort and is easier to operate. The single housing unit eliminates the need for complex external wiring and setup procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If multiple separate components are used for antistatic treatment, then electrostatic charges can be controlled, but the energy consumption and operational complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrostatic charge controlVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated design allows for optimized energy management by combining the high-voltage source and control system in one unit. The controller can efficiently manage the high-voltage output to the electrode arrangements, reducing energy losses that would occur with separate external components and multiple connection interfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 provides a space-saving, user-friendly, and energy-efficient antistatic device that effectively neutralizes electrostatic charges on moving webs, enhancing safety and reducing the risk of damage or fires, while allowing for intuitive monitoring and maintenance through visual and acoustic signals.

Implementation Method 1

an electrostatic charge or, for short, an electrostatic charge of one of these materials can arise due to the electrical charge present in the respective materials

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrostatic discharge: Electrostatic Discharge

Implementation Method 2

build up an electrical potential relative to the web of material in order to achieve said removal of the charge

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical potential: Electric Field

Data Source

PatentEP2845275B1Antistatic device and associated operating method
Publication Date: 2018.10.03 GEMA SWITZERLAND GMBH
  • EP2845275B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2845275B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2845275B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to an antistatic device (4) for reducing electrostatic charges on moving material webs (2), wherein the antistatic device (4) comprises at least one active electrode assembly (7), which has a plurality of active individual needle-shaped electrodes (8) and which is electrically connected to an associated voltage source (13) during operation of the antistatic device (4). The antistatic device (4) also comprises a controller (14) for controlling the voltage source (13). A reduced size of the antistatic device (4) and/or improved operability and/or better handling of the antistatic device (4) is achieved in that the at least one electrode assembly (7) and the controller (14) are arranged in a housing (19) of the antistatic device (4). The antistatic device (4) also has a signal device (16) for outputting a signal, which correlates with at least one parameter of the antistatic device (4) and/or of the material web (2) and/or of an associated production system (1).