Tubular Web End Alignment Device for Gusseted Hose Welding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for connecting the ends of tubular webs, especially those with side gussets, often result in unreliable and poor-quality connections due to discontinuities in the side folds and internal continuity, leading to potential malfunctions in processing machines.

Innovation Solution

A device that allows the upper and lower walls of one tubular web to be moved partially in the longitudinal direction for smooth alignment, using guiding means and holding mechanisms like clamping jaws or suction elements, and incorporating deflection means such as rollers or sheets to ensure plane-parallel alignment and prevent separation during the connection process, while maintaining internal continuity through separating plates and controlled welding.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If the ends of two tubular webs are connected by welding after cutting, then the connection is achieved, but the upper and lower walls may not align smoothly causing poor connection quality and cracks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment precision of upper and lower wallsVSAvoidconnection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A guiding device is introduced as an intermediary component between the upper and lower walls during the connection process. This guiding device ensures precise alignment and smooth contact between the walls of the two tubular webs, preventing misalignment and ensuring high-quality welding connections without cracks

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The guiding device is positioned and adjusted before the welding process begins. The upper and lower walls are guided into proper alignment in advance, ensuring that when welding occurs, the components are already correctly positioned, thereby improving both alignment precision and connection reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Manufacturing precision

If the tubular webs are cut to separate upper and lower walls, then the walls can be aligned, but the side folds may become discontinuous affecting machine operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment of upper and lower wallsVSAvoidcontinuity of side folds
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The guiding device acts as an intermediary that maintains the continuity of side folds while enabling precise alignment of upper and lower walls. It ensures that the side folds remain intact and continuous across the connection point, preventing discontinuities that would affect machine operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The guiding device provides localized guidance and support specifically at the connection area where upper and lower walls meet. This local intervention ensures proper alignment and maintains the continuity of side folds in the critical connection zone without affecting the overall structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of operation

If a belt is used to transport and align the tubular web ends, then alignment is achieved, but the belt may pull the walls causing separation and poor connection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment processVSAvoidconnection quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The guiding device serves as an intermediary that replaces the belt's alignment function while avoiding its harmful pulling effect. It provides precise alignment guidance without exerting excessive forces that could separate the upper and lower walls, thereby maintaining connection quality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The guiding device substitutes the belt's mechanical alignment system with a more precise and controlled guiding mechanism. This replacement eliminates the harmful pulling action of the belt while maintaining the alignment function, improving both ease of operation and connection quality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 approach enables more reliable and qualitatively improved connections of tubular webs, reducing the likelihood of cracks and malfunctions, and is particularly suitable for gusseted hoses, ensuring continuous side folds and internal integrity at the connection point.

Implementation Method 1

Finally, the tubular webs, which are made of plastic, are welded together by welding jaws that are brought from above and below to the superimposed areas of the ends of the two tubular webs.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWelding: Welding

Implementation Method 2

In order to prevent the upper and lower walls of the end of the old hose from also being connected to one another, an internal tool with a separating plate is provided.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhysical separation: Physical Containment

Implementation Method 3

The belt is then driven until the end of the tubular web has been inserted between the upper and lower walls of the end of the tubular web of another wrap so that the longitudinal axes of the old and new tubular web are aligned with one another.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP1888439B1Device and method for connecting the ends of two flat tubular webs
Publication Date: 2009.12.30 WINDMOELLER & HOELSCHER GMBH
  • EP1888439B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1888439B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1888439B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for connecting the ends of two flat tubular webs (3, 6), the one end of the tubular webs (6), in its lateral sections, being provided with cuts which separate the upper (14) and the lower (15) wall of the end of said tubular web from each other. The inventive device comprises the following features: means for guiding (16, 17) the upper and lower wall of the end of the one tubular web, with which the upper and the lower wall can be brought into contact with sections of the walls of the end of the other tubular web (3); and means for connecting the upper and lower wall of the end of the one tubular web (6) with sections of the walls of the end of the other tubular web (3). The means for guiding (16, 17, 31, 32, 34, 35) can at least be partially moved in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the tubular webs.