Paper Machine Clothing With Irregular Hexagonal Channels for Tensile Strength
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing paper machine clothing lacks sufficient tensile strength, particularly in the machine direction, which affects the quality and durability of fiber webs produced.
Innovation Solution
The paper machine clothing is designed with through-channels arranged in an irregular hexagonal pattern, where each central through-channel is surrounded by six neighboring through-channels, and the cross-sectional area tapers non-cylindrically from the upper to the lower side, enhancing tensile strength while maintaining dewatering efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If through-channels are arranged in a regular pattern, then dewatering efficiency is maintained, but tensile strength is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by arranging through-channels in an irregular hexagonal pattern rather than a regular grid pattern. This asymmetric arrangement creates varying channel densities and spacing in different directions, which enhances tensile strength by optimizing material distribution while preserving adequate dewatering capacity through maintained channel connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by creating regions with different through-channel densities within the substrate. The irregular hexagonal pattern produces areas with higher channel concentration for improved dewatering and areas with lower concentration for enhanced tensile strength, allowing each local region to optimize for its specific functional requirement.
2Strength
If through-channels are made cylindrical with uniform cross-section, then manufacturing is simple, but tensile strength is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning from cylindrical through-channels with uniform cross-section to channels with tapered cross-sections. The cross-sectional area varies along the channel length, creating a shape that provides enhanced tensile strength through optimized material distribution while remaining manufacturable through laser drilling processes that can accommodate variable geometry.
3Productivity
If through-channels are arranged in a dense pattern, then dewatering efficiency improves, but tensile strength decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The irregular hexagonal pattern creates asymmetric channel distribution where certain directions have higher channel density for improved dewatering while other directions maintain lower density for preserved tensile strength. This directional asymmetry allows the structure to optimize both functions simultaneously by having different local densities oriented according to functional requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional planar arrangement to a three-dimensional tapered channel structure. The channels vary in cross-sectional area along their length, adding a dimensional parameter that allows optimization of both dewatering (through surface connectivity) and tensile strength (through material distribution along the channel length) without being constrained by simple 2D pattern density.
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
This configuration provides improved tensile strength, especially in the machine direction, allowing for the production of high-quality fiber webs with enhanced durability and stability under high tensile forces.
Implementation Method 1
forming a plurality of through-channels into a usable region of the substrate, wherein at least one of the plurality of through-channels has exactly six directly neighboring through-channels of the plurality of through-channels surrounding it as a central through-channel in the shape of an irregular hexagon
Data Source
Figure 1~3c
Figure 4~11
Figure 12a~13b
AI summary
The present invention concerns a paper machine clothing comprising a substrate (20) with an upper side, a lower side, two lateral edges and an usable region between the two lateral edges, wherein the usable region comprises a plurality of through-channels (30) extending through the substrate (20) and connecting the upper side with the lower side, wherein at least one of the plurality of through-channels (30) has exactly six directly neighboring through-channels (30) of the plurality of through-channels (30) surrounding it as a central through-channel (30) in the shape of an irregular hexagon. Furthermore, the present invention refers to a method of producing such a paper machine clothing.