Rotatable Sleeve Roll for Adjustable Dewatering Wrap

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sleeve rolls lack flexibility in adjusting dewatering parameters, such as fabric tension wrap length, pressure, and dwell time, which limits their effectiveness in fiber web forming processes.

Innovation Solution

A sleeve roll design featuring a rotatable axle beam with adjustable rotational angle, enabled by moving means such as an annular flange and actuating mechanisms like a rigging screw, allows for varying fabric tension wrap parameters during operation, including length, pressure, and dwell time, without requiring full 360° rotation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a stationary sector support shoe is used, then the structure is simple and stable, but the dewatering parameters (fabric tension wrap length, pressure, dwell time) cannot be adjusted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustability of dewatering parametersVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The axle beam is made rotatable about its axis within the bearing structure, transforming the stationary support shoe into a dynamic component. This rotation enables adjustment of the fabric tension wrap parameters (length, pressure, dwell time) while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure. The bearing structure supports this rotational movement, allowing parameter variation without complex adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the sleeve roll has a perfect circular sectional shape, then the structure is simple, but the fabric tension wrap parameters cannot be varied

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevariability of fabric tension wrapVSAvoidsectional shape complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of changing the sectional shape to achieve parameter variation, the invention maintains a simple circular sectional shape and achieves variability through rotation of the axle beam about its axis. This dynamic approach allows the same simple shape to produce variable fabric tension wrap parameters depending on the rotational position.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If the axle beam is made rigid and fixed, then the structural stability is high, but the startup process is difficult and requires mechanical retraction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of startupVSAvoidstructural stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The axle beam is designed to be rotatable within the bearing structure, enabling easy startup by rotating the sleeve roll to bring the peak pressure fabric wrap area into the operational position. This rotational capability eliminates the need for mechanical retraction while maintaining structural stability through the bearing support.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Adaptability or versatility

If moving means with full 360° rotation capability are provided, then the adjustability is maximum, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverotational adjustment rangeVSAvoidmoving means complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The moving means is designed to provide rotation only to the extent necessary for operational adjustment, rather than full 360° capability. This partial action approach achieves the required adjustability of fabric tension wrap parameters while avoiding the complexity and cost of over-engineered rotation mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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 precise adjustment of dewatering parameters, facilitating easier startup and improved dewatering efficiency in fiber web forming machines, allowing for fine tuning during operation without mechanical retraction.

Implementation Method 1

the actuating means can comprise a screw, a gear, a worm gear, a rigging screw, or a hydraulic cylinder

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectScrew mechanism: Screw

Implementation Method 2

the actuating means can comprise a screw, a gear, a worm gear, a rigging screw, or a hydraulic cylinder

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGear mechanism: Gear

Implementation Method 3

the actuating means can comprise a screw, a gear, a worm gear, a rigging screw, or a hydraulic cylinder

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWorm gear mechanism: Worm Drive

Implementation Method 4

The axle stub is supported in a bearing structure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3913136B1Sleeve roll
Publication Date: 2026.03.18 VALMET TECH OY
  • EP3913136B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3913136B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3913136B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A sleeve roll (1) comprises an axle beam (11) with an axle stub (13). The axle stub (13) is supported in a bearing structure (21). Moreover, the sleeve roll (1) comprises a roll head (31) which is configured to support a belt (41) being tensioned about and being rotatable about the axle beam (11). The belt (41) is rotatable about and relative to the axle beam (11). Moving means (22) are configured to rotate the axle beam (11) within the bearing structure (21).