Curved Shower Bar Nozzle Flange Alignment Tool
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is no standardized and accurate alignment device or method available for properly aligning the curved shower bar nozzle flange tangentially with the permeable outer surface of a drum roll in drum washers, which is crucial for uniform water distribution during pulp washing.
Innovation Solution
An alignment device comprising a body element with an attachment device and a contact element, designed to connect to the nozzle flange and abut against the drum surface, allowing for precise adjustment and clamping to ensure tangential alignment, featuring various embodiments with clamping mechanisms, contact element designs, and shapes to accommodate different nozzle flange configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the nozzle flange is curved to distribute water flow, then water distribution uniformity is improved, but alignment precision with the drum surface deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment device serves as an intermediary tool between the curved nozzle flange and the drum surface. It provides a reference framework with straight edges and measurement markings that enable precise tangential alignment of the curved flange end with the drum surface, resolving the conflict between the curved shape needed for water distribution and the precision needed for alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment device is positioned and adjusted before final installation of the nozzle flange. By establishing the correct tangential alignment position in advance using the alignment device's reference edges and measurements, the curved flange can be accurately positioned before clamping, ensuring both water distribution performance and alignment precision.
2Ease of operation
If the flange end is set tangentially at 12-14 inches from the drum surface, then water flow uniformity is improved, but alignment accuracy deteriorates due to lack of standardized tools
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment device is designed as a universal tool that combines multiple functions: it provides reference edges for tangential alignment, measurement markings for the 12-14 inch distance specification, and clamping capability for securing the flange. This multi-functional design makes alignment both convenient and accurate without requiring multiple separate tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment device is divided into functional segments including the body providing reference edges, measurement markings for distance control, and clamping mechanisms. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while working together to achieve both alignment convenience and precision.
3Manufacturing precision
If the contact element is designed to abut against the drum surface, then alignment reference accuracy is improved, but risk of drum surface damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The contact element is designed with a curved surface that matches the drum's cylindrical geometry, allowing it to abut against the drum surface at a single point or small area. This geometric matching provides accurate alignment reference while minimizing contact area to prevent damage to the drum surface.
Data Source
AI summary
Alignment device (1) for adjusting a position of a curved shower bar nozzle flange (2) relative a permeable outer cylindrical surface (3) of a drum roll (4) of for instance a drum washer. The alignment device comprises a body element (8), an attachment device (9) and a contact element (11). The body element has a length adapted to a desired predetermined distance between the end (7) of the nozzle flange and the outer cylindrical surface (3). The attachment device (9) is arranged at a first end (10) of the body element (8) for releasably connecting the body element to the nozzle flange end (7) to extend tangentially therefrom. The contact element (11) is arranged at a second opposite end (12) of the body element, said contact element being adapted to abut against said permeable outer cylindrical surface (3). A method for aligning a nozzle flange using such an alignment device is also provided.