Segmented Sleeve Roll Structure for Adjustable Fiber Web Dewatering

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sleeve rolls for fiber web machines face challenges in manufacturing small-sized rolls that conform to variable belt loop surfaces, require rigid axle beams, and are laborious to maintain, with limited versatility and high stress on actuator systems.

Innovation Solution

A sleeve roll design featuring a convex forming element with a lubricated sliding surface and actuator systems, including adjustable actuators and a rigid axle beam, allows for precise compensation of bending and easy maintenance, enhancing water removal efficiency and reducing friction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the convex forming element is specially shaped to conform to variable belt loop surfaces, then the water removal efficiency is improved, but the machining becomes hard and time consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewater removal efficiencyVSAvoidmachining complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The forming element is divided into multiple segments that can be independently positioned and adjusted. Each segment can be manufactured with standard machining processes, and the segments are assembled to create the overall conforming shape, avoiding the need for complex monolithic machining

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The forming element incorporates adjustable components that allow dynamic adaptation to different belt loop surfaces. The segments can be positioned at variable angles and distances from the axis, enabling the same forming element to conform to different radii and surface profiles without requiring custom machining for each configuration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the convex forming element is bent to adapt to different sizes, then the versatility is improved, but high stresses are caused to the actuator systems and a very rigid axle beam is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesize adaptabilityVSAvoidactuator system stress
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The forming element consists of multiple segments that can be independently adjusted in position and angle. This segmentation allows the forming element to adapt to different sleeve roll sizes through controlled positioning rather than bending, avoiding high stresses on actuators and eliminating the need for an oversized rigid axle beam

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows changing geometric parameters of the forming element configuration (segment positions, angles, distances from axis) to adapt to different sleeve roll sizes. This parameter adjustment enables versatility without requiring the forming element to be bent, thereby avoiding excessive stresses on the actuator systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If the convex forming element is bent, then the adaptability to different sizes is improved, but the size of the sleeve roll increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesize adaptabilityVSAvoidsleeve roll size
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The segmented forming element allows adaptation to different sizes through positioning adjustments rather than physical bending or expansion. The segments can be reconfigured to match different radii, maintaining a compact sleeve roll size while achieving versatility across multiple applications

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Productivity

If the actuator systems are arranged to support the convex forming element, then the water removal efficiency is improved, but the maintenance and assembly become laborious

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedewatering efficiencyVSAvoidmaintenance complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The actuator systems are arranged to support individual segments of the forming element rather than a monolithic structure. This segmentation allows actuators to be accessed, maintained, or replaced independently without requiring disassembly of the entire forming element, significantly reducing maintenance labor while preserving the dewatering efficiency provided by the segmented conforming structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 design enables efficient dewatering with reduced energy consumption, gentler fiber web handling, and simplified maintenance, while allowing for precise adjustment and longer belt loop life.

Implementation Method 1

The forming element has a lubricated sliding surface for the belt loop and fabric support and lubrication of the forming element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLubrication: Lubrication

Data Source

PatentEP4671438A1Sleeve roll for a forming section of a fiber web machine
Publication Date: 2025.12.31 VALMET TECH OY
  • EP4671438A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4671438A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4671438A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a sleeve roll for a forming section of a fiber web machine. The sleeve roll (21) has an axle beam (28) supporting a plurality of actuator systems (52) arranged side by side and attached to a convex forming element (22). Each actuator system (52) has an actuator (53), which in one or more actuator system (52) has an adjustable reach.