Segmented Interlocking Plate Assembly for Textile Applicator Cleaning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fluid applicator assemblies for textile substrates require frequent disassembly and reassembly for cleaning, leading to significant downtime due to the accumulation of chemical debris, which is cumbersome and time-consuming.

Innovation Solution

The inner plate assembly is designed with interlocking segments that can be easily removed and reattached without disassembling the top and bottom plates, allowing for sequential cleaning of each segment using a removal tool, reducing handling issues and downtime.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the fluid applicator assembly is completely disassembled for cleaning, then thorough cleaning is achieved, but downtime and labor time increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning effectivenessVSAvoiddowntime

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The distribution chamber assembly is divided into multiple separable segments (first segment, second segment, third segment) that can be individually removed and cleaned. This segmentation allows cleaning of each segment separately without requiring complete disassembly of the entire assembly, thereby reducing downtime while maintaining cleaning effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If the fluid applicator assembly is completely disassembled for cleaning, then all chemical debris is removed, but handling and reassembly become cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning completenessVSAvoidhandling ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The assembly is segmented into manageable sections that can be handled individually. Each segment can be removed, cleaned, and reattached independently, making the overall cleaning process less cumbersome compared to handling the entire assembly at once.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The segments are designed to nest within each other or fit together in a compact arrangement when not in use, facilitating easier storage and handling during the cleaning process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Strength

If the distribution chamber is designed as a single piece, then structural integrity is maintained, but cleaning requires complete disassembly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidcleaning convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The distribution chamber is segmented into multiple sections that are connected in a way that maintains overall structural integrity during operation. The segments can be easily separated for cleaning but remain securely connected during normal fluid distribution, achieving both structural strength and cleaning convenience.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS11179744B2Segmented distribution assembly for distributing fluid to an applicator nozzle

Publication Date: 2021.11.23 GASTON SYSTEMS INC

AI summary

An inner plate assembly for arrangement between top and bottom plates of an applicator for applying fluid-based chemicals to traveling sheets of textile substrates includes a plurality of interlocking plate segments. Each interlocking plate segment includes an outer frame segment and one or more baffle member segments supported by the outer frame segment. Each interlocking plate segment further includes a first interlocking structure disposed at a first end thereof and a second interlocking structure at a second, opposite end thereof to facilitate end-to-end interlocking arrangement of the plurality of interlocking plate segments.