Liquid Roller Velocity Control for Flat Object Transport
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for transporting flat objects using a streaming liquid lack precise control over velocity, leading to mechanical damage and non-uniform treatment results due to imprecise velocity adjustments and incidental collisions.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a treatment surface featuring pass-through openings and pockets for a liquid jet stream that controls the velocity of flat objects by adjusting the flow components, allowing for precise acceleration and deceleration without mechanical contact, using a combination of inflow and discharge regions to maintain the object's position and prevent lateral drifting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If mechanical transport means (rollers, grippers, cassettes) are used to transport flat objects, then the transport velocity can be controlled, but the objects are subjected to mechanical damage such as scratches and breaks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical transport means (rollers, grippers, cassettes) with a fluid dynamic system. A liquid jet streams through pass-through openings in the treatment surface, creating a streaming liquid film that carries and pushes forward the substrates without mechanical contact. This substitution eliminates scratches and breaks while maintaining transport velocity control through liquid flow rate and pressure adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a hydraulic system where liquid flows through the treatment surface under pressure to create a streaming liquid film. The liquid film is generated by pressurized flow through pass-through openings, and the hydraulic pressure and flow rate control the transport velocity of the objects without mechanical contact.
2Speed
If the transport velocity is adjusted by changing pressure or gap inclination, then the transport can be controlled, but the velocity control remains imprecise due to incidental collisions with guides
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates mechanical guides that cause incidental collisions by using a fluid dynamic system. The streaming liquid film provides contactless support and transport, removing the source of velocity variations caused by guide collisions. Velocity precision is achieved through controlled liquid flow parameters rather than mechanical adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention controls transport velocity by changing liquid flow parameters (pressure, flow rate) rather than mechanical parameters (gap inclination). This allows precise and continuous velocity adjustment without the discrete steps or mechanical play inherent in mechanical adjustment systems, eliminating velocity variations caused by guide collisions.
3Reliability
If lateral edges are used as guides to prevent objects from breaking out, then the objects remain on the transport device, but incidental collisions occur that slow down the initial transport velocity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical lateral guides with a fluid dynamic containment system. The streaming liquid film itself provides lateral boundaries and guidance, eliminating the need for physical lateral edges that cause collisions. Objects are contained and guided by the liquid flow field, maintaining positioning reliability without velocity loss from mechanical contact.
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 precise control over the velocity of flat objects, reducing mechanical damage and ensuring uniform treatment by regulating the mass flow and impulse of the liquid jet, thereby enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of the transport process.
Implementation Method 1
a first liquid, in order to support the flat object approximately parallel to the treatment surface in a certain distance by means of a pressure rise beneath the object within the liquid layer
Implementation Method 2
a velocity controlling liquid roller, wherein said pocket has at its upstream edge an inlet through which a second liquid can be fed into said pocket in the form of a liquid jet stream
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The present invention relates to apparatuses and methods for the transporting of substantially flat objects, wherein the transporting takes place by the use of a streaming liquid. More particularly, the invention relates to such apparatuses and methods wherein the velocity of the object can precisely be controlled. According to the invention, the apparatus for the velocity controlled horizontal transport of a substantially flat and freely moveable object (1) on a liquid comprises (i) at least one treatment surface (7) with at least one inflow region (2) having a multitude of pass-through openings (6) out of which the flat object (1) can be streamed against by a first liquid (L1), and (ii) at least one discharge region (3) preferably laterally adjoining the treatment surface's (7) at least one inflow region (2) at least at one of its sides for discharging said first liquid (L1) after provision of the inflow. The apparatus is characterized in that the treatment surface (7) is further equipped with at least one pocket (4) for the provision of a Velocity controlling liquid roller, wherein said pocket (4) has at its upstream edge an inlet (5A) through which a second liquid (L2) can be fed into said pocket (4) in the form of a liquid jet stream (8). A method for the velocity controlled horizontal transport of a substantially flat and freely moveable object (1) on a liquid is also disclosed.