Thermo Roll Design for Fiber Web Machines

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional thermo rolls for fiber web machines are bulky and heavy due to the large diameter and thick walls required for axial bores and bolts, which limits their versatility and positioning options.

Innovation Solution

The thermo roll design minimizes the number and arrangement of axial and radial bores, allowing for smaller axle stubs and a thinner roll body, with offset axial bores reaching multiple grooves and strategically positioned bolts, and uses insulation bushings and plugs to enhance heat transfer efficiency and structural integrity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Weight of moving object

If axial bores and bolts are arranged in conventional way, then structural integrity is maintained, but thermo roll becomes bulky and heavy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveweight of thermo rollVSAvoidstructural integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple axial bores are merged into a single common axial bore that serves multiple grooves simultaneously. This consolidation reduces the number of separate bores and bolts needed, thereby reducing weight while maintaining structural integrity through optimized load distribution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The common axial bore serves multiple functions by providing access to multiple grooves through a single opening. This multi-functional design element eliminates the need for separate bores for each groove, reducing overall complexity and weight while maintaining effective heat transfer to all grooves.

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

2Device complexity

If number of axial bores is reduced, then weight and complexity decrease, but heat transfer efficiency may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of boresVSAvoidheat transfer efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The common axial bore extends in the axial dimension to serve multiple grooves that are positioned radially around the roll. By utilizing the axial dimension effectively, a single bore can access multiple grooves through strategically positioned openings, reducing the number of bores needed while maintaining heat transfer coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The common axial bore is designed with varying local characteristics - it has different opening positions and orientations to access specific grooves. This localized optimization ensures that each groove receives adequate heat transfer medium flow while using a single consolidated bore structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local 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 design results in a more compact, lightweight thermo roll with improved heat transfer efficiency and even temperature distribution, enabling its use in various positions within fiber web machines while maintaining structural rigidity and efficient heat transfer.

Implementation Method 1

channels for heat transfer medium

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

heat transfer medium, which is hot water or oil or other hot fluid

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Implementation Method 3

an outer jacket friction fitted on the roll body

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3929353B1Thermo roll for a fiber web machine
Publication Date: 2023.05.10 VALMET TECH OY
  • EP3929353B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3929353B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP3929353B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a thermo roll. The thermo roll (12) includes a hollow roll body (13) having a plurality of grooves (14) on its outer surface (15). Each groove (14) extends from one end of the roll body (13) to another. In the roll body (13) there are axial bores (16) opening to the grooves (14). The thermo roll (12) also includes an axle stub (17), having conducts (18) extending to said axial bores (16), fixed to both end of the roll body (13) by a plurality of bolts (19). In addition, the thermo roll (12) also includes an outer jacket (21) friction fitted on the roll body (13) and the axle stubs (17) closing the grooves (14) as a plurality of channels (22) for heat transfer medium. Each axial bore (16) has an offset (23) opening to two adjacent grooves (14).