Tubular Product Machine With Vertical Evaporation Path
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machines for producing paper straws face challenges in achieving adequate structural stability, rigidity, and hygiene due to inconsistent glue application and drying methods, which can lead to collapse or bending when immersed in liquids, and require larger machine sizes or ineffective drying.
Innovation Solution
A machine with an evaporation path and heating means, such as electric resistances or infrared lamps, is used to selectively remove the liquid solvent from the adhesive substance on strip-shaped elements before winding, ensuring proper adhesion and minimizing glue contact with the liquid, while maintaining a compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If drying means such as gas burners or infrared heaters are introduced to dry the glue, then the structural stability of tubular products is improved, but the overall size of the machine significantly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transforms the drying process from a horizontal arrangement (where drying means would extend the machine length) to a vertical arrangement (where the evaporation path extends upward). The strip-shaped elements are guided through vertical segments that pass through the evaporation path, allowing drying to occur in the vertical dimension while keeping the machine footprint compact.
Solution Approach 2:
The evaporation of the liquid solvent occurs before the winding operation completes. The adhesive substance is applied, then the strip passes through the evaporation path where solvent removal begins, and winding continues simultaneously. This preliminary evaporation action ensures adequate drying without requiring a separate, space-consuming drying section.
2Area of stationary object
If drying means are disposed too close to the forming mandrel, then the machine size is reduced, but the glue does not have sufficient time to dry effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs dynamic guidance means that can adjust the position and orientation of the strip-shaped elements during passage through the evaporation path. The guidance means ensures optimal exposure of the adhesive surface to the evaporation environment while maintaining compact dimensions. The system adapts the drying conditions to the specific geometry and speed of the winding process.
3Strength
If excessive quantity of glue is applied, then adhesion between strip-shaped elements is improved, but the tubular products become insufficiently rigid and bend or sag
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical parameters of the adhesive substance by controlling the evaporation of its liquid solvent. By adjusting the evaporation rate and degree through the evaporation path, the adhesive transitions from a liquid state (providing wet adhesion) to a more solid state (providing structural strength). This parameter change allows adequate adhesion with minimal glue quantity while maintaining rigidity.
4Ease of manufacture
If the glue does not guarantee adequate resistance, then the production process is simplified, but the tubular products collapse due to separation of strip-shaped elements
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces the evaporation path as an intermediary element between adhesive application and winding completion. This intermediary zone allows the adhesive to undergo controlled solvent evaporation, developing adequate bonding strength before the strip-shaped elements are fully wound and pressed together. The evaporation path acts as a mediator that ensures proper adhesion development without complicating the overall production process.
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 provides tubular products with high stiffness, durability, and optimal adhesive consumption, preventing collapse and sagging when immersed, while reducing machine size and ensuring high productivity and quality.
Implementation Method 1
evaporation means (23) configured to selectively remove in a controlled manner, by evaporation, at least a part of the liquid solvent contained in the adhesive substance
Implementation Method 2
heating means configured to heat the adhesive substance by irradiation
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
Machine (10) to make a tubular product (A) using one or more strip-shaped elements (Bl, B2, B3), preferably made of paper or similar materials, or materials derived therefrom, comprising a delivery unit (19) configured to selectively deliver on at least one surface of some strip-shaped elements (Bl, B2) an adhesive substance (S) containing at least a liquid solvent, and a forming unit (15) configured to form the tubular product (A) by winding the strip-shaped elements (Bl, B2, B3) in a helical manner and simultaneously gluing them, by means of the adhesive substance (S). An evaporation unit (22) is disposed between the delivery unit (19) and the forming unit (15) to selectively remove, by evaporation, at least a part of the liquid solvent contained in the adhesive substance (S) present on the strip-shaped elements (Bl, B2) before the strip¬ shaped elements (Bl, B2, B3) enter the forming unit (15).