Modular Carbon Fibre Beam for Web Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current beam structures used in web monitoring for paper and cardboard machines face challenges such as lengthy manufacturing, storage, and handling issues due to long beam lengths, and they often require complete replacement if damaged, while also being prone to dust and moisture ingress.
Innovation Solution
A modular carbon fibre composite beam structure composed of monolithic profiled modules with installation openings for sensors or radiation sources, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly, and featuring a box-like profile with cover plates to prevent dust and moisture entry, enabling flexible length adjustment and reduced weight for improved handling and support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If long beams (over 12 metres) are used to cover the entire web width, then the beam can support web monitoring devices across the full width, but the beam requires special arrangements for manufacture, storage, transportation and handling
Solution Approach 1:
The beam is divided into multiple beam modules (first beam module, second beam module, etc.) that can be manufactured separately and then connected using connection elements. This segmentation allows each module to be manufactured, stored, and transported independently, eliminating the need for special arrangements required for single long beams while maintaining the total length needed to cover the web width.
2Length of stationary object
If long beams are used to extend over the whole web, then the beam spans the required distance, but storage and transportation require considerable space
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the beam into multiple modules, the storage space requirement is dramatically reduced. Instead of requiring space for a single 12-metre beam, the modules can be stored in compact arrangements, stacked, or stored in smaller quantities at multiple locations along the machine.
3Strength
If traditional beam structures are used, then the structure provides support, but dust and moisture can enter the beam structure causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The beam modules feature enclosed hollow cross-sections with cover plates that seal the internal cavities. This shell-like structure prevents dust and moisture from penetrating into the beam interior while maintaining structural strength. The connection elements join modules in a way that preserves this protective enclosure along the entire beam length.
4Reliability
If complete beam replacement is performed when damaged, then the beam structure is restored, but the replacement process is time-consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The modular design enables localized repair by replacing only the damaged beam module rather than the entire beam. The connection elements facilitate quick detachment and attachment of individual modules, dramatically reducing repair time and cost while maintaining beam integrity through systematic module replacement.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a beam structure (40) to be used in web monitoring or defect detection and to be placed in the vicinity of a movable web (51) in the transverse direction, for example, in relation to a paper or cardboard machine, to support at least one functional element used in the web monitoring. The beam structure (40) comprises at least two carbon fibre composite beam modules (10) with a monolithic profile, their longitudinal side comprising an installation opening (12) for at least one functional element. The beam modules (10) can be installed one after the other in the longitudinal direction, wherein each beam module (10) constitutes a part of the uniform beam structure (40) so that the installation openings (12) of the beam modules (10) are aligned in the beam structure (40). The invention also relates to a carbon fibre composite module (10) to be used in the beam structure (40).