Symmetrical Closed-Path Air Module for Uniform Fiber Thermal Treatment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for treating fibers to produce non-woven fabrics suffer from non-uniform heating and cooling, leading to inconsistent fiber treatment and difficult maintenance due to their design, which requires larger spaces and increased resource usage.
Innovation Solution
A module and system with a symmetrical design featuring two side panels with gaps that create a closed air path, allowing air to be heated and cooled uniformly, and easy access for maintenance through hinged doors and removable filters, ensuring uniform thermal treatment and efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a single burner is positioned on one side of the structure, then the structure requires smaller space and fewer resources, but the heating of air and treatment of fibers becomes non-uniform
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetrical positioning of the burner and extraction unit at opposite ends of the treatment chamber, creating a deliberate thermal gradient that drives unidirectional airflow through the fiber web. This asymmetrical arrangement ensures uniform heating across the fiber web while maintaining a compact single-unit structure, resolving the contradiction between heating uniformity and structural complexity.
2Temperature
If a single extraction unit is used for cooling, then the structure requires smaller space, but the cooling of fibers becomes non-uniform and inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The extraction unit is positioned asymmetrically at the end of the treatment chamber opposite to the burner, creating a pull effect that draws heated air uniformly across the fiber web and directs it toward the extraction point. This asymmetrical placement ensures uniform cooling while avoiding the need for multiple extraction units, thus maintaining structural simplicity.
3Reliability
If the structure has a complex shape for treatment, then the treatment process may be more effective, but the maintenance and cleaning become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The treatment chamber is segmented into distinct functional zones with the burner positioned at one end and the extraction unit at the other, separated by the fiber web path. This segmentation allows each component to be accessed independently for maintenance and cleaning, simplifying service operations while maintaining effective thermal treatment through the established airflow pattern.
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 solution achieves uniform heating and cooling of fibers, enhancing the quality of non-woven fabric production while simplifying maintenance and reducing resource consumption, allowing for versatile operation with different materials and processing methods.
Implementation Method 1
the flow of hot air (4) can strike the fibres and then be redirected to the fan unit (3) to be again heated by the burner (2)
Implementation Method 2
A known thermal process, for example, comprises the use of a burner for heating the air which will strike the fibres for treating them thermally
Implementation Method 3
The fan unit (3) is configured for obtaining a flow of air (4). The flow of air (4) is placed in continuous circulation through the fan unit (3)
Data Source
AI summary
Described is a module for the treatment of fibres for obtaining a non-woven fabric. The module comprises a fan unit configured for generating a flow of air through a closed path and a chamber for the treatment of the fibres positioned in fluid communication with the closed path, delimited on opposite sides by respective side panels.Each side panel comprises a first gap defining a blowing portion of the closed path and a second gap defining a suction portion of the closed path. Each side panel defines a branch of the closed path which extends between the fan unit and the treatment chamber.The module also comprises a first platform and a second platform comprising respective first and second channels placed in fluid communication with the first gap and second gap of each side panel and with the treatment chamber to define connecting portions of the closed path.The fan unit is positioned equidistant relative to the treatment chamber in such a way that the flow of air is divided symmetrically between the branches of the closed path.