Plow Folding Apparatus for Material Web with Optimized Angles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing apparatuses for folding a moving material web longitudinally twice are inefficient in forming a satisfactory second fold due to inadequate folding angles, leading to suboptimal processing and space utilization.
Innovation Solution
A longitudinal folding apparatus with two plow folding units arranged vertically and inclined at specific angles, where the first unit forms the initial fold and the second unit, with a minimum folding angle of 100° or 140°, ensures a satisfactory second fold, utilizing guide elements and deflecting rollers to manage web tension and folding edges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If the folding angle in the second plow folding unit is small, then the apparatus length is reduced, but the second fold quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the folding angle in the second plow folding unit to a minimum of 100° or 140°. This specific parameter adjustment ensures that the second fold is formed satisfactorily while maintaining a compact apparatus design. The defined folding angle range resolves the contradiction by establishing an optimal value that simultaneously achieves good fold quality and reasonable apparatus length.
2Manufacturing precision
If the folding angle in the second plow folding unit is large, then the second fold quality is improved, but the apparatus length increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by defining an optimal folding angle range (minimum 100° or 140°) for the second plow folding unit. This parameter optimization ensures satisfactory second fold quality while preventing excessive apparatus length increase. The specific angle specification balances fold quality requirements with space utilization constraints.
3Area of stationary object
If the plow folding units are arranged vertically, then space utilization is improved, but web tension control becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing individual drive arrangements for each plow folding unit. This allows independent control of web tension at each folding station, addressing the specific tension requirements of the vertical arrangement while maintaining ease of operation. Each drive arrangement can be optimized for its local position in the vertical sequence.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics through adjustable drive arrangements that can independently control web tension at each plow folding unit. This dynamic control system allows the apparatus to adapt tension levels according to the specific requirements of each folding operation in the vertical arrangement, making tension control manageable despite the compact vertical configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
In order to form two longitudinal folds in a material web, there are two plow folding units which extend in the vertical direction and are arranged behind one another in the movement direction of the material web. Each of the plow folding units has two guide elements for the material web, which guide elements are arranged in the manner of a gable or saddle roof. The guide elements are arranged behind one another in the movement direction of the material web and enclose a folding angle between them. The folding angle between the guide elements of the second plow folding unit which is arranged downstream of the first plow folding unit has a magnitude of at least 100°, preferably of at least 140°.