Paper Machine Belt Seam Loop Formation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for creating a seam capable base for paper making machine belts require the removal of cross-direction yarns, which is time-consuming and prone to damage, and do not efficiently achieve the desired width and stability.

Innovation Solution

A method involving folding machine direction ends of a woven fabric over to form seam loops without removing cross-direction threads, with the ends sewn to the bottom side and optionally including a polyurethane nonwoven insert for reinforcement, allowing for a more stable and efficient belt construction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If cross-direction yarns are removed to form seam loops, then seam loops can be created, but the process is time-consuming and prone to damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseam loop integrityVSAvoidyarn removal process time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of removing cross-direction yarns to create seam loops, the invention inverts the approach by folding machine-direction ends over to form loops, preserving all cross-direction yarns and eliminating the time-consuming removal process while maintaining seam loop integrity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The seam loops are formed preliminarily during the fabric folding process itself, rather than requiring a separate yarn removal operation afterward, thus saving time and reducing damage risk

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Area of stationary object

If multiple folded tubes are combined to achieve width of 10-12m, then desired width is achieved, but MD joins are required which adds complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebelt widthVSAvoidnumber of MD joins

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention transitions from combining multiple narrow tubes in the cross-direction to using a single wide fabric in the machine-direction, eliminating the need for multiple MD joins while achieving the same 10-12m width

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Manufacturing precision

If yarns are removed to form seam loops, then loops are created, but fiber bonding is compromised and loop size consistency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveloop size consistencyVSAvoidcross-direction yarns

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

Rather than removing yarns to create loops, the invention folds fabric ends over to form loops, preserving all cross-direction yarns and ensuring consistent loop sizes through uniform folding geometry

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the geometric parameters of loop formation by using controlled folding at specific locations, ensuring uniform loop dimensions without the variability introduced by yarn removal processes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2252738B1Belt and method of making a belt for a paper making machine

Publication Date: 2017.06.07 VOITH PATENT GMBH

Figure 1~4
Figure 5~6

AI summary

Belt and method of making a belt for a paper making machine. The belt includes a flat woven material having a top side surface (4) and a bottom side surface (5) and two terminal ends (2, 3) separated in a machine direction (MD). Folds (6, 7) formed in the flat woven material are separated in the machine direction (MD), so that the two terminal ends (2, 3) are located under the bottom side surface (5). Seam loops (6',7') are located at the folds (6, 7), and the two terminal ends (2, 3) one of are arranged adjacent each other and overlap each other in a region offset from a center between the folds (6, 7). The instant abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.