Rectangular Flange Sealing for Suction Device Leaks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing suction devices for compressed air in twin drafting systems face issues with leaks at coupling points, leading to contamination, reduced vacuum efficiency, and the need for additional sealing elements, which increase complexity and maintenance requirements.
Innovation Solution
The suction device features rectangular peripheral flanges with flat abutment surfaces that compressively seal onto a suction pipe, eliminating the need for additional sealing elements and ensuring optimal air flow by directing fibers away from the coupling point and utilizing a wedge-shaped design to generate a clamping force, preventing leaks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sealing elements are attached at coupling points to prevent leaks, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes sealing elements from the coupling point design entirely. Instead of adding sealing components, the invention uses the flange structure itself with its abutment surfaces to create the seal, extracting the sealing function from separate components and integrating it into the basic flange geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing function is merged with the flange structure. The flange's abutment surfaces are designed to directly contact and seal against the suction pipe opening, combining the structural support and sealing functions into a single integrated component rather than using separate sealing elements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple coupling points are used to connect suction channels, then adaptability is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to increased leak risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the coupling and sealing functions into a single flange-abutment surface interface. The flange's abutment surfaces are designed to contact the suction pipe opening directly, creating both the mechanical connection and the seal at the same location, thereby reducing the number of separate coupling points while maintaining adaptability.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If sealing elements are installed at coupling points, then contamination is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates due to maintenance requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes sealing elements from the coupling point design. By using the flange's abutment surfaces to create the seal directly, the invention eliminates the need for separate sealing components that would require regular maintenance and inspection, thereby reducing contamination risk while improving operational ease.
4Reliability
If flanges are pressed together with compressive force, then reliability is improved, but force is required to maintain the seal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs curved or angled abutment surfaces on the flanges rather than flat surfaces. This curvature design allows the flanges to be pressed together with compressive force that is distributed more effectively across the sealing interface, improving seal reliability while reducing the total force required compared to flat surface contact.
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 provides a reliable seal without additional sealing elements, simplifies assembly and disassembly, and enhances air flow within the suction device, reducing contamination and maintenance needs while maintaining vacuum efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the retaining element has a central web which is provided with a free edge which terminates at an acute angle d and which engages in the locking position between the outer surfaces of the flanges which are directed towards one another. Due to the wedge-shaped design of the outer surfaces of the flanges, which are directed towards one another, in the assembled state in cooperation with the wedge-shaped edge of the holding element, a clamping force is generated between the described stop surfaces on the one hand
Implementation Method 2
a suction device for the compressed air from two interchangeable suction units on a twin drafting system of a spinning machine... the suction channels of the suction inserts are connected via the channel of the cover to a housing which is also designed as a channel and via which the suction air is discharged to a central suction device
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~2b
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The suction device has a suction unit with a suction opening (11,11a), which is connected with a suction channel (12,12a) that is integrated in the suction unit. Discharge openings (O1,O2) of the suction units have rectangular-shaped circumferential flanges with a flat stop surface. The flat stop surface lies at a common coupling point (KS) adjacent to another flat surface of a common, rectangular opening of a suction pipe (22). The flanges are covered with the discharge openings of the suction units, and are held with a pressure force on the latter flat stop surface by a holding unit (17).