Seam Flap Connecting Element for Felt Wear Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Seamed felts used in paper machines face issues with reduced fiber anchoring and increased wear in the seam region due to cuts made for opening and closing the seam, leading to shorter felt lifetimes and potential paper defects.
Innovation Solution
Inserting a connecting element between the seam flap and seam wedge, which is materially connected to the staple fibers through methods like NIR transmission welding, to enhance fiber anchoring and improve the seam's wear resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a cut is made in the nonwoven layer to open the seam for drawing in the felt, then the seam can be opened for installation, but the fiber anchoring in the seam region is permanently weakened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by inserting connecting elements (such as pins or staples) into the seam region before the felt is put into operation. This preliminary reinforcement prevents the weakening effect of the cut from manifesting during actual use, as the connecting elements are already in place to maintain fiber anchoring strength when the felt is drawn into the machine.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting elements act as intermediaries between the cut edges of the nonwoven layer. These elements bridge the gap created by the cut, providing mechanical connection and fiber anchoring in the seam region where the cut would otherwise leave a weakness. The intermediaries transfer and distribute stresses that would otherwise concentrate at the cut edges.
2Reliability
If the seam region is optimized by introducing flow-resistant material or liquid material, then the flow properties are improved, but the fundamental deficiency of weakened nonwoven overlay due to the cut remains
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the solution by addressing the fiber anchoring problem separately from the flow property optimization. While flow-resistant materials or liquid materials may be used to improve flow properties, the connecting elements provide a separate, dedicated function of reinforcing fiber anchoring. This segmentation allows both requirements to be met without one compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The seam region becomes a composite structure combining the original nonwoven material, the cut edges, and the inserted connecting elements. This composite construction integrates materials with different functions: the nonwoven provides flow properties while the connecting elements provide mechanical strength and fiber anchoring, creating a multi-functional seam region that addresses both contradictions.
3Reliability
If the felt is kept under tension to maintain seam closure, then the seam remains closed for proper operation, but the gap over the seam widens exposing it to increased attack by abrasive contact elements
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting elements provide beforehand cushioning by pre-reinforcing the seam region against the harmful effects of abrasive contact. Before the felt is exposed to abrasive elements in the paper machine, the connecting elements are already in place to protect the weakened seam region, cushioning against the anticipated mechanical attack and preventing premature failure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harm of the cut (which creates a weakness) into a benefit by using the connecting elements to create a reinforced seam structure. The very region that was weakened by the cut becomes strengthened by the insertion of connecting elements, which anchor fibers and distribute stresses. The seam closure requirement, which causes tension and gap widening, actually helps press the connecting elements into the material, improving their anchoring effect.
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 solution significantly improves the wear resistance and reduces the marking inclination of the seam, while maintaining the permeability of the seam region, thus extending the lifespan of the felt and preventing paper defects.
Implementation Method 1
at least one connecting element is inserted between the seam flap and the seam wedge, and the at least one connecting element is materially connected, in particular welded, to staple fibers of the seam flap and/or of the seam wedge
Data Source
AI summary
A clothing or seamed felt for a pressing section of a machine producing a fibrous web includes at least one base structure and at least one staple fiber layer is disposed on the base structure. The staple fiber layer is disposed on a side facing the fibrous web and/or the machine. At least one seam zone has seam loops connected to one another by at least one pintle or seam wire making the clothing endless. The staple fiber layer is divided in the region of the seam zone by at least one cut forming a seam flap and a seam wedge or gusset. At least one connecting element is inserted between the seam flap and the seam wedge. The connecting element is materially connected, in particular welded, to staple fibers of the seam flap and/or of the seam wedge. A method for using the clothing is also provided.