Pivotable Suction Line for Fiber Placement

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing storage devices require high power loss and complex conversions to achieve high negative pressures and large air suction, limiting their flexibility and efficiency in moving parts without interrupting the suction line.

Innovation Solution

A depositing device with a pivotable suction line section and connecting sleeve, equipped with a peripheral seal and a main seal that can be activated or deactivated, allows for movement of the storage unit without disrupting the suction line, enabling high negative pressures and flexible operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If high negative pressures and large air suction are achieved in known storage devices, then vacuum efficiency is improved, but device complexity and power loss increase due to complex conversion measures being required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower lossVSAvoidcomplex conversion measures
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The suction line is designed with pivotable connections between the storage unit and the vacuum generation device, allowing dynamic adjustment of the suction line position and angle. This dynamic design enables the storage unit to be moved horizontally and vertically without requiring complex conversion measures, while maintaining effective vacuum connection throughout the movement range

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the structural parameters of the suction line by replacing rigid fixed connections with pivotable joints. This parameter change allows the suction line to adapt to different positions and angles, eliminating the need for complex conversion measures when adjusting the storage unit position, thereby reducing both device complexity and power loss

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the storage unit is moved horizontally and vertically or tilted in known devices, then operational flexibility is improved, but vacuum efficiency decreases due to limitations of corrugated pipes and hoses

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemovement flexibilityVSAvoidvacuum efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The suction line incorporates pivotable connections that enable dynamic movement of the storage unit in horizontal, vertical, and tilting directions. The pivotable joints maintain sealed connections during movement, allowing full operational flexibility without compromising vacuum efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The pivotable connection acts as an intermediary element between the storage unit and the rigid suction line. This intermediary component accommodates movement and position changes while maintaining the integrity of the vacuum seal, thus preserving vacuum efficiency during flexible operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If complex conversion measures are implemented to achieve high negative pressures, then vacuum efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconversion complexityVSAvoidnegative pressure
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The pivotable suction line design allows the system to achieve high negative pressures without complex conversions. The dynamic connections enable direct coupling between the storage unit and vacuum generation device, simplifying the overall system while maintaining effective vacuum pressure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables simple and cost-effective movement of the storage unit without complex conversions, maintaining high vacuum efficiency and flexibility, ensuring precise and reliable operation with low flow resistance.

Implementation Method 1

a vacuum chamber (3) arranged below the depositing surface (2) for generating a negative pressure is provided under the storage surface (2)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNegative pressure: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

a suction line (4) connected to the negative pressure chamber (3) is provided, which is connected to at least one negative pressure generation device or to at least one vacuum device/vacuum pump

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Implementation Method 3

between the line section (5) and the connecting sleeve (7) at least one peripheral seal (8) over the circumference of the line section (5) is present and between the connecting sleeve (7) and the line section (5) a main seal (9) that can be activated or deactivated is held between them

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSealing:

Data Source

PatentEP2868790B1Device for depositing fibres
Publication Date: 2016.03.02 REIFENHAUSER GMBH & CO MASCHFAB
  • EP2868790B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2868790B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2868790B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a placement device, particularly to a placement device for fibre placement or placement of nonwoven fabric fold materials formed by fiber. A placement assembly is provided and comprises at least one gas-permeable or air-permeable placement surface and at least one negative chamber disposed below the placement surface and used for forming negative pressure below the placement surface. At least one suction pipe is connected to the negative pressure chamber, and is connected to at least one negative pressure generating device. At least one pipe section of the suction pipe is connected to a connection sleeve pipe of the suction pipe by at least one pipe end, wherein the pipe section and the connection sleeve can swing relative to each other. At least one circuit sealing member is disposed between the pipe section and the connection sleeve pipe.