Linear Transport System for Bonded Laminated Material
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for manufacturing bonded laminated materials, such as membrane-electrode assemblies for polymer electrolyte fuel cells, face inefficiencies due to the use of thick frames that prevent the application of continuous pressing techniques and result in large dead spaces and costly exhaust systems.
Innovation Solution
A transport system comprising a shuttle, slider, and intermediate table with a simple exhaust device that alternately connects to a jig for fixing material, allowing continuous exhaustion and efficient transport of the jig in a straight line, enabling the use of space-saving designs and reducing the need for costly exhaust equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a rotating turntable is used for transporting the jig, then the processing units can be disposed around the turntable circumference, but the size of the turntable becomes larger creating large dead space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional rotating turntable layout to a three-dimensional linear reciprocating shuttle system. The jig is transported back and forth along a linear path between loading and processing positions, eliminating the circular dead space of the turntable while maintaining the ability to accommodate multiple processing units through vertical stacking or sequential arrangement along the linear path.
2Strength
If thick frames are used to surround all the circumference of the material, then the material can be fixed securely, but continuous pressing techniques cannot be applied reducing manufacturing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the frame structure into segmented, modular components rather than using a continuous thick frame. The frame is constructed from separate elements that can be positioned only where needed to secure the material, allowing pressing mechanisms to access and continuously press the material through the segmented structure, thereby maintaining fixing strength while enabling continuous pressing operations.
3Productivity
If a roller-type press is used to press material while transporting in a straight line, then continuous pressing is achieved, but the equipment requires a costly exhaust device constructed as a vacuum chamber
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the exhaust function from the overall system design by using a simple, separate exhaust device that connects directly to the jig rather than requiring the entire equipment to be constructed as a costly vacuum chamber. This allows continuous pressing to be achieved while eliminating the need for expensive vacuum chamber construction.
4Device complexity
If the exhaust device is a simple space-saving-type that continuously exhausts during transport, then operational costs are reduced, but the system must maintain continuous exhaustion during reciprocating movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent ensures continuous exhaustion during the reciprocating transport by maintaining the exhaust connection throughout the entire back-and-forth movement of the jig. The simple space-saving exhaust device operates continuously without interruption, regardless of the jig's position or direction of movement, ensuring consistent vacuum maintenance while keeping the system simple and cost-effective.
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 solution allows for efficient manufacturing of bonded laminated materials by reducing dead space and operational costs, enabling high-quality production with reduced friction and extended equipment lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
a method for fixing material to be laminated is proposed wherein air is discharged from a sealed chamber that is formed by these elements given above to depressurize the chamber
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a transport system for a jig for fixing material to be laminated, which system can transport a jig for fixing material to be laminated using a simple exhaust device that is of a space-saving-type while it continuously exhausts air, a transport method for transporting a jig for fixing material to be laminated, and an apparatus for manufacturing bonded laminated material comprising the transport system.