Rubbing Machine Tool Pan Ramps for Chemical-Free Fiber Separation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional fiber separating methods, such as chemical and steam explosion methods, are inefficient and environmentally harmful, with low fiber yield and high processing costs, and fail to provide uniformity and high separation rates for plant fibers.

Innovation Solution

A rubbing machine with two tool pans and a material-guiding screw that uses mechanical forces between alternating ramps to separate plant fibers without chemicals, enhancing the fiber separation rate and fibrillation process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If chemical separating methods are used to separate plant fibers, then the separation process can be achieved, but the fiber yield is low (40-50%) and environmental pollution is high

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefiber separation rateVSAvoidfiber yield
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces chemical separating methods with a mechanical rubbing system consisting of two tool pans with rubbing zones that mechanically separate plant fibers through friction and abrasion, eliminating chemical usage and achieving high fiber yield while maintaining effective separation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the separation mechanism from chemical reactions to mechanical parameters by controlling the rubbing speed, pressure, and surface characteristics of the tool pans, achieving efficient fiber separation without chemical damage to the fibers

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If chemical separating methods are used to separate plant fibers, then the separation process can be achieved, but environmental pollution is high due to chemical waste

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefiber separation capabilityVSAvoidchemical pollution
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes chemical separation processes with a purely mechanical rubbing system that uses friction and abrasion between two tool pans to separate fibers, completely eliminating chemical waste and environmental pollution while maintaining separation effectiveness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If steam explosion methods are used to separate plant fibers, then fiber separation can be achieved, but the process is time and energy consuming with poor uniformity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefiber separation capabilityVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the complex thermal and pressure cycling process of steam explosion with a direct mechanical rubbing action between two tool pans, significantly reducing processing time and energy consumption while achieving uniform fiber separation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the separation approach from thermal/pressure parameters to mechanical parameters (rubbing speed, pressure, surface texture), achieving faster and more uniform fiber separation without the time-consuming steam explosion cycles

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

The machine achieves a high fiber separation rate of up to 95% without chemical use, improving the strength and toughness of paper pulp and aligning with environmental protection standards.

Implementation Method 1

separating and fibrillating fibers of herbage through mechanical force between the two tool pans

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

the material can be rubbed by the alternating forces between the two tool pans

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP2689853B1Rubbing machine and its tool pan
Publication Date: 2024.05.01 YFY INC
  • EP2689853B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2689853B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2689853B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A rubbing machine and its tool pan are disclosed. The tool pan (122) comprises a number of homocentric annular structures (125) which have a lot of rubbing zones (121). Provided between the contiguous rubbing zones is at least a ramp (127), which is extending along the normal of the tool pan, and the height of which is increased gradually towards the fringe of the tool pan. In the rubbing machine (100) the tool pan is used. The rubbing machine is applicable in paper making industry, and can effectively separate and fibrillate the fiber of herbage by mechanical force between a pair of tool pans, thereby needing not to use chemicals, and according with the modem conception of environmental protection.