Perforated Fabric Washing Path to Reduce Elongation and Folds
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fabric washing apparatuses face challenges in minimizing fabric elongation and fold formation due to tortuous washing paths and the need for significant tensioning, while also requiring larger sizes and higher operational costs.
Innovation Solution
A washing apparatus that uses perforated moving surfaces to convey fabrics along a washing path, with high-pressure and high-flow-rate washing fluids sprayed through nozzles, eliminating direct contact with cylinders and allowing for effective cleaning without immersion, thus reducing elongation and fold risks and apparatus size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If tortuous washing paths are used with small diameter rollers, then washing effectiveness is improved, but fabric elongation and fold formation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces small diameter rollers with a large diameter drum (curved surface) to create a gentler washing path. The drum's larger radius of curvature reduces the tortuosity of the washing path, thereby minimizing fabric elongation and fold formation while maintaining washing effectiveness through the drum's rotational motion and fluid spray system.
2Manufacturing precision
If large diameter drums are used, then fabric elongation and fold formation are reduced, but apparatus size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into the single large diameter drum: it serves as both the washing surface and the conveying mechanism. The drum's rotation provides both the mechanical action for washing and the transport of fabric through the washing path, eliminating the need for separate conveying rollers and reducing overall apparatus size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the washing function and conveying function into a single integrated system. The large diameter drum performs both washing (through fluid spray and mechanical action) and fabric transport (through rotation), merging previously separate functions into one component to reduce apparatus footprint.
3Reliability
If multiple processing units are used to achieve adequate washing action, then washing effectiveness is improved, but apparatus size and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a continuous washing action within a single processing unit. The large diameter drum rotates continuously, providing sustained mechanical action and fluid exposure throughout the washing path, eliminating the need for multiple discrete processing units while maintaining effective washing through continuous engagement.
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 reduces fabric elongation and fold formation, shortens washing paths, decreases apparatus size and manufacturing costs, and lowers processing times and operational costs by utilizing dynamic fluid action for effective impurity removal.
Implementation Method 1
high-pressure and high-flow-rate washing fluids sprayed through nozzles
Implementation Method 2
utilizing dynamic fluid action for effective impurity removal
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an apparatus (100) for the washing of fabrics in a continuous and open mode, said apparatus (100) comprising at least one processing unit (10) that extends in a longitudinal direction (L) of the apparatus (100), said processing unit (10) comprising a plurality of cylinders that define a washing path extending from an inlet (11) to an outlet (12) thereof. Said at least one processing unit (10) further comprises a first and a second perforated moving surfaces (20, 21) configured to receive a fabric (F) to be treated between them, said moving surfaces (20, 21) being supported by sets of cylinders comprising both cylinders (40; 50, 60) of said washing path and further cylinders (41; 61), each moving surface forming a closed loop path with said cylinders and at least one of said cylinders (40, 41, 60, 61) being a driven cylinders, wherein said closed loop paths share the same cylinders (40; 50, 60) which define said washing path. The processing unit (10) further comprises a plurality of first and second nozzles (30, 31) arranged along the entire washing path and facing the perforated moving surfaces (20, 21), said nozzles (30, 31) being connected to sources of washing fluids and being configured for dispensing said fluids at pressures comprised between 5 and 50 bar, preferably between 8 and 15 bar, and at flow rates comprised between 10.000 and 50.000, preferably between 20.000 and 40.000, liters/hour per linear meter of fabric in the direction of its width. The invention also relates to a washing method carried out by said washing apparatus.