Open-Width Fabric Transport With Air Support and Impact Drying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fabric processing machines face challenges in achieving optimal softening, shrinkage, and drying of fabrics while minimizing the formation of folds and knots, with limitations in both continuous and discontinuous processing methods, including issues with fabric tension, drying efficiency, and mechanical stress.
Innovation Solution
A machine with a pneumatic transport system that uses a combination of air flows to support and dry the fabric, allowing for adjustable drying rates independent of mechanical processing, and featuring reversible transport with impact structures and accumulation areas to reduce fabric tension and enhance drying efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If fabric is processed in rope form in continuous machines, then drying capability is improved, but fabric tension increases causing limited shrinkage and poor hand characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The fabric processing is segmented into two distinct functional zones: a pneumatic transport system for tension-free drying and a mechanical impact zone for shrinkage and hand treatment. This segmentation allows each zone to optimize its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges two previously separate processing methods (pneumatic drying and mechanical impact treatment) into a single continuous machine, allowing fabric to receive both drying and mechanical working in sequence without breaking the continuous feed.
2Productivity
If fabric is subjected to strong pneumatic stresses for high speed transport and impact, then mechanical processing is improved, but fabric elongation occurs due to traction stresses
Solution Approach 1:
The machine segments the pneumatic system into two distinct air flow systems: a support air flow from below that prevents fabric contact and elongation, and a transport air flow that provides the necessary thrust for high-speed movement and impact.
Solution Approach 2:
The support air flow acts as an intermediary between the fabric and the transport system, providing a cushion that eliminates direct contact and traction stresses while still allowing the transport air flow to move the fabric at high speed.
3Speed
If limited volume of high pressure air is used for fabric transfer, then transport function is maintained, but drying ability is reduced due to insufficient air volume
Solution Approach 1:
The pneumatic system is segmented into two independent air flow channels: transport air flow for high-speed fabric movement and support air flow for drying. This allows each function to use the appropriate air volume and pressure independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The support air flow serves multiple functions simultaneously: it supports the fabric to prevent contact and elongation, provides drying capability through increased air volume, and maintains transport speed by working in conjunction with the transport air flow.
4Stability of the object's composition
If fabric is processed in open width continuous form, then formation of knots and folds is reduced, but fabric hand characteristics and shrinkage are poor due to excessive tension
Solution Approach 1:
The processing system is segmented into a tension-free pneumatic transport section and a mechanical impact section. The open width fabric is introduced tension-free in the pneumatic section, then subjected to controlled mechanical impact for shrinkage and hand treatment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses pneumatic support air flow to replace mechanical contact and tension during fabric transport and drying, eliminating the excessive tension that degrades hand characteristics and shrinkage while maintaining fabric uniformity.
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 machine achieves optimal softening and shrinkage of fabrics while minimizing folds and knots, with improved drying efficiency and reduced fabric tension, enabling continuous processing without the need for additional rope opening devices.
Implementation Method 1
A machine with a pneumatic transport system that uses a combination of air flows to support and dry the fabric
Implementation Method 2
uses a combination of air flows to support and dry the fabric
Implementation Method 3
allowing for adjustable drying rates independent of mechanical processing
Implementation Method 4
featuring reversible transport with impact structures and accumulation areas to reduce fabric tension and enhance drying efficiency
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The machine comprises: a transport system (3) for transporting the fabric (T); at least one impact structure (5A, 5B) arranged in front of one end of the transport system for transporting the fabric; an accumulation area (17A, 17B) of the fabric associated to the impact structure. In the transport system blowing members (51 B) are provided so as to generate a support air flow from the bottom towards the fabric, in order to support the fabric during the motion along the transport system (3).