Stenter Frame Web Feeder with Angle Feedback to Prevent Cheek Damage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for introducing a running web of material into a stenter frame machine are complex, requiring lengthy assembly and commissioning times, and lack flexibility for adjusting to different web materials and operating conditions, which can lead to damage from improper pivoting angles.

Innovation Solution

A device with a pivotable cheek actuated by an actuator, equipped with angle sensors and a computing system that monitors and adjusts the cheek's angle relative to the frame, preventing excessive pivoting and allowing for real-time adjustments during operation, thereby ensuring safe and efficient web feeding.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple separate angle sensors are used to detect cheek angle and actuator angles, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and assembly time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecheek angle detection precisionVSAvoidsensor system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple angle measurement functions into a single integrated angle sensor system. The sensor simultaneously detects the cheek angle and both actuator angles, eliminating the need for multiple separate sensors and reducing system complexity while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The angle sensor is designed with multi-functionality to perform multiple measurement tasks. It universally measures angles for both the cheek position and actuator positions, allowing one sensor to replace what would traditionally require multiple specialized sensors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Manufacturing precision

If traditional separate sensor systems are used, then manufacturing precision can be maintained, but assembly and commissioning time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecheek position control precisionVSAvoidassembly and commissioning time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

By integrating multiple angle detection functions into a single sensor unit, the patent reduces the number of components that need to be installed and calibrated. This merging approach maintains manufacturing precision while significantly reducing assembly and commissioning time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the cheek pivoting range is extended for greater adaptability, then adaptability is improved, but the risk of damage from excessive pivoting increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveweb width adaptation rangeVSAvoiddamage risk from excessive pivoting
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback control system using angle sensors to continuously monitor the cheek position and actuator angles. The controller receives this feedback and automatically limits the pivoting range, allowing the system to adapt to different web widths while preventing excessive pivoting that could cause damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the cheek position within safe operational limits. The real-time angle monitoring enables the cheek to pivot adaptively for different web widths while the control system dynamically prevents exceeding damage thresholds.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Reliability

If more extensive angle monitoring is implemented, then operational safety is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational safetyVSAvoidmonitoring system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple monitoring functions into a single integrated sensor and control system. By using one multi-functional angle sensor to monitor both cheek and actuator positions, the system achieves comprehensive safety monitoring without the complexity of multiple separate monitoring systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4170082B1Device for introducing a running web into a tentering machine
Publication Date: 2024.09.04 TEXMAG GMBH VERTRIEBS
  • EP4170082B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4170082B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4170082B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A device (1) serves to introduce a running web of material (3) into a stenter frame machine. The device (1) has at least one pivotable cheek (12) that receives the web of material (3). This cheek (12) is pivoted by at least one actuator (13) by means of at least one actuator (19). This actuator (13) acts on the cheek (12) on one side and on the frame (17) on the other. Angle sensors (32) detect the angle between the cheek (12) and the actuator (13) as well as between the frame (17) and the actuator (13). These angles are fed to computing devices (66') to calculate the difference between the two detected angles.