Seamed Industrial Fabric Installation with Elastic Flaps
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of seamed industrial fabrics, particularly double pin seam fabrics, on twin-wire machines is time-consuming due to the need for precise alignment of seam loops for pintle insertion, which can be challenging and labor-intensive.
Innovation Solution
The use of flaps with zipper tracks at the ends of the fabric that can stretch elastically to facilitate alignment and interdigitation of seam loops, allowing for easier insertion of pintles, along with a method that involves positioning the fabric, intermeshing attachment means, interdigitating seam loops, and inserting pintles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If double pin seam fabric is used to provide greater seam strength, then seam strength is improved, but installation time and complexity increase due to the need for precise alignment of multiple loops
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-arranging the seam loops in an interdigitated pattern on the fabric before installation. The loops are positioned in alternating long and short sequences that automatically align with corresponding loops on the opposite fabric end, eliminating the need for time-consuming alignment adjustments during installation while maintaining the double pin seam strength
2Strength
If double pin seam fabric is used to provide greater seam strength, then seam strength is improved, but installation complexity increases due to the need for precise alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by designing the seam loops with self-aligning characteristics where the interdigitated pattern of long and short loops automatically positions themselves correctly during installation. The fabric structure itself guides the alignment process, allowing the seams to self-correct and align without requiring complex external alignment tools or procedures
3Strength
If traditional seam alignment methods are used, then seam strength can be achieved, but the installation process becomes labor-intensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the geometric parameters of the seam loops - specifically creating alternating long and short loop patterns with specific dimensional relationships. This parameter optimization allows the loops to interdigitate and align automatically, transforming the installation from a labor-intensive alignment process to a simple placement operation while maintaining equivalent seam strength
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 solution simplifies and expedites the installation process by aligning seam loops effectively and ensuring proper alignment without disturbing the interdigitated loops, reducing the time and effort required for fabric installation on twin-wire machines.
Implementation Method 1
The second flap able to stretch elastically such that the distance between its attachment to the second portion of the fabric and the second zipper track can increase when a load is applied to the second zipper track
Data Source
Figure 1~2B
Figure 3~4
Figure 4A~5
AI summary
A method of installing an industrial fabric on a machine configured to utilize such a fabric includes as a first step: (a) providing an industrial fabric having: a plurality of machine direction (MD) yarns, the MD yarns forming seam loops at first and second ends of the fabric; a first flap attached adjacent the first end and underlying a first portion of the fabric, the first flap including a first zipper track on an edge portion thereof; and a second flap attached adjacent the second end and underlying a second portion of the fabric, the second flap including a second zipper on an edge portion thereof, the second flap able to stretch elastically such that the distance between its attachment to the second portion of the fabric and the second zipper track can increase when a load is applied to the second zipper track. The method comprises the further steps of: (b) positioning the industrial fabric in the machine; (c) intermeshing the first zipper track and the second zipper track; (d) interdigitating the seam loops on the first end and the second end; and (e) inserting a pintle through the interdigitated seam loops. The use of the flaps can help to align the seam loops, thereby facilitating the subsequent insertion of the pintle.