Sheet Feed Pipe Rectification for Uniform Fiber Web Formation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sheet manufacturing apparatuses experience uneven distribution of fiber materials due to swirling flows in internal pipe paths, leading to inconsistent sheet quality.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of first and second rectifying plates with specific base angles in the supply pipe to rectify airflow, preventing swirling flows and ensuring uniform material distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a pipe is used to supply material containing fibers, then material transport is enabled, but swirling flow causes uneven material distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful swirling flow is extracted and removed from the supply pipe by introducing rectifying plates that redirect and eliminate the rotational motion of the airflow, allowing the material to be transported without the harmful swirling component
Solution Approach 2:
Rectifying plates are introduced as intermediary elements within the supply pipe to mediate between the swirling airflow and the material particles, redirecting the flow to eliminate uneven distribution while maintaining transport function
2Productivity
If material is accumulated to form a web, then sheet production is enabled, but uneven material distribution causes quality variation
Solution Approach 1:
The rectifying plates perform preliminary action by correcting the airflow pattern and ensuring uniform material distribution before the material reaches the accumulation zone, preventing quality variation at the source rather than attempting to correct it afterward
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
Enhances material distribution uniformity, maintaining consistent sheet quality by suppressing swirling flows and reducing accumulation on rectifying plate surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
the supply pipe includes an inner wall provided with a first rectifying plate having a substantially trapezoidal shape and extending in a supply direction of the material, and the first rectifying plate has a first base angle formed by a lower base in contact with the inner wall of the supply pipe and a first leg located upstream in the supply direction, the first base angle being 25° or more and less than 45°, and a second base angle formed by the lower base and a second leg located downstream in the supply direction, the second base angle being 55° or more and less than 85°
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet manufacturing apparatus includes a defibrating unit that generates a defibrated material, a web forming unit that generates a web, a supply pipe that supplies a mixture together with air, and a sheet forming unit that presses the web to generate a sheet, the supply pipe is provided with a first rectifying plate having a substantially trapezoidal shape and extending in a supply direction of the mixture, and the first rectifying plate has a first base angle formed by a lower base in contact with an internal wall of the supply pipe and a first leg located upstream in the supply direction, the first base angle being 25° or more and less than 45°, and a second base angle formed by the lower base and a second leg located downstream in the supply direction, the second base angle being 55° or more and less than 85°.