Pivotable Support Tube for Suction Drums in Fiber Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing suction devices for compressed air in fiber material processing face contamination issues due to fiber parts adhering to rubber-elastic bearing parts, leading to increased maintenance needs and potential malfunctions.
Innovation Solution
A two-part support tube design with a pivotable second section and a smooth, elliptical cross-section overlap, eliminating the need for rubber-elastic guides and ensuring smooth, fiber-free surfaces within the suction device, while compensating for positional tolerances through a pivot axis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If rubber-elastic bearing parts are used to compensate for positioning tolerances, then positioning tolerance compensation is improved, but fiber adherence and contamination increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support tube is divided into two separate sections that can pivot relative to each other. The first section is firmly connected to the suction element, while the second section is pivotably attached and opens into the bearing element. This segmentation allows the system to achieve positioning tolerance compensation through the pivotable connection without requiring rubber-elastic materials that cause fiber adherence.
Solution Approach 2:
The support tube incorporates a dynamic pivotable connection between its two sections, allowing the second section to rotate about a pivot axis in a horizontal plane. This dynamic mechanism enables the system to adapt to positioning tolerances and dimensional deviations automatically, replacing the need for static rubber-elastic bearing parts that contaminate with fibers.
2Adaptability or versatility
If rubber-elastic guides are used to compensate for dimensional deviations, then adaptability to dimensional changes is improved, but fiber contamination increases requiring more frequent cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the support tube into two pivotable sections, the system achieves adaptability to dimensional deviations through mechanical pivoting rather than relying on rubber-elastic guides. This eliminates the surface contamination issue that requires frequent cleaning, as the smooth pivotable connection does not accumulate fibers.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivotable connection acts as an intermediary mechanism between the suction element and the bearing element, providing the necessary adaptability to dimensional deviations without the contamination problems of rubber-elastic materials. The pivot axis serves as a clean, fiber-free intermediary that allows movement while maintaining smooth surfaces.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a two-part support tube with pivotable connection is used, then fiber-free smooth surfaces are achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support tube is segmented into two sections with a pivotable connection, which does increase structural complexity but eliminates fiber contamination. The segmentation allows each section to maintain smooth, non-adhering surfaces while the pivot mechanism provides the necessary adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic pivotable connection replaces static rubber-elastic guides, creating a more complex but cleaner system. The pivot mechanism allows movement and tolerance compensation through a controlled mechanical joint rather than deformable material, preventing fiber accumulation.
4Device complexity
If the support tube is designed as one piece, then device simplicity is maintained, but positioning tolerance compensation capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Dividing the support tube into two sections enables positioning tolerance compensation through the pivotable connection between sections. While this increases structural complexity, it provides the necessary adaptability that a one-piece rigid tube cannot achieve.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivotable connection introduces dynamic capability to the support tube structure, allowing it to compensate for positioning tolerances through controlled movement. This dynamic feature replaces the simplicity of a one-piece design with a more adaptable two-section structure.
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 design reduces contamination risks and extends maintenance intervals by preventing fiber adherence and maintaining effective vacuum performance.
Implementation Method 1
the second section of the support tube, which opens into the bearing element, is fastened to the first section of the support tube, which is firmly connected to the suction element, so that it can pivot about a pivot axis in a horizontal plane
Implementation Method 2
the first section of the supporting pipe be provided with a circumferential seal on the outer circumference in the area where it overlaps with the second section of the supporting pipe
Implementation Method 3
a suction device for the compressed air from at least one suction unit for the aerodynamic compression of a fiber material
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3a
AI summary
The apparatus has circulating compression elements i.e. suction drums (6, 6a), guided over a compression zone. A suction element (15) is directly or indirectly connected to a suction channel (12) of suction units (10, 10a) at an end (E1) such that the suction units is held by a holding unit i.e. flap (17). A supporting tube (22) is rigidly connected at another end (E2) of the suction element. A portion (24) of the tube is pivotally mounted at another portion (23) of the tube in a horizontal plane around a pivotal axis (25), where the latter portion is fixedly connected to the suction element.