Suction Brake Obturator Dynamics for Sheet Conveyors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing suction brakes for sheet conveyors face challenges in reconciling the conflicting demands of the initial and second stages of the braking operation, leading to reduced throughput and potential sheet damage, as they require different gas pressure and volume settings based on the type and configuration of sheets being processed.
Innovation Solution
A suction brake system with a Bernoulli device and an obturator arrangement that allows independent regulation of suction during the second stage, enabling maximum gas flow during the initial phase while adjusting suction force based on sheet characteristics, using a throttling mechanism to optimize braking force during the second phase.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If high gas pressure and volume are used in the Bernoulli device during the initial stage to maximize suction, then the air evacuation speed is improved, but the braking force becomes too high during the second stage causing sheet damage and machine interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The suction brake system dynamically adjusts the gas pressure and volume supplied to the Bernoulli device between two operational stages. During the initial stage, high gas pressure and volume are provided to maximize suction and quickly evacuate air. During the second stage, the gas pressure and volume are reduced to provide optimal braking force. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by allowing maximum suction initially without causing sheet damage during the braking phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The suction brake operates in two distinct periodic stages: an initial stage with high gas pressure and volume for maximum suction, and a second stage with reduced gas pressure and volume for optimal braking. This periodic action allows the system to achieve quick air evacuation followed by controlled deceleration, preventing both slow processing and sheet damage.
2Stability of the object's composition
If gas pressure and volume are adjusted for optimal braking force in the second stage, then sheet flatness is improved, but the air evacuation speed during the initial stage is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes gas pressure and volume settings between stages. In the initial stage, high gas pressure and volume enable rapid air evacuation. In the second stage, reduced gas pressure and volume provide the precise braking force needed to maintain sheet flatness during deceleration. This dynamic parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction between speed and stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary air evacuation at high speed during the initial stage before transitioning to the braking stage. By completing the air evacuation function first with high gas flow, the system then switches to lower gas pressure for braking, ensuring both quick preparation and stable operation without compromising either function.
3Stability of the object's composition
If high braking force is applied during the second stage to prevent ripples, then sheet flatness is improved, but throughput is reduced due to machine interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the gas pressure and volume parameters from high values during the initial stage to optimized lower values during the second stage. This parameter change allows the braking force to be sufficient to prevent ripples and maintain flatness without being so high as to cause sheet damage or machine interruptions, thereby maintaining high throughput while ensuring sheet quality.
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
This solution allows for optimal braking force adjustment based on sheet type and configuration, maintaining high throughput and preventing sheet damage by decoupling the constraints of the first and second stages of the braking operation, ensuring efficient sheet deceleration and flatness without reducing processing speed.
Implementation Method 1
suction is provided using the Venturi effect by forcing gas under pressure within the braking device to accelerate through a restriction
Implementation Method 2
a suction brake first sucks out the air between the sheet and an operating surface of the braking device, and then, by pulling the sheet against the operating surface of the braking device, applies a restraining force to the sheet
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a suction brake for use with a sheet conveyor configured to convey a succession of flat elements in sheet form along a conveying path between a first location and a second location, the suction brake comprising:a hollow body having an interior cavity and a face that defines a plurality of suction apertures that communicate with the interior cavity;an obturator arrangement coupled to the hollow body and moveable with respect to the suction apertures;the obturator arrangement being moveable between an open position, in which the obturator arrangement exposes the suction apertures to a maximum extent, and a restricted position, in which the obturator arrangement occludes the suction apertures to a maximum extent. The obturator may rotate or be linearly translated in moving between the open and restricted positions.