Vacuum Conveyor Belt Perforation Valves
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vacuum transport systems on conveyor belts suffer from irregular suction strength, energy wastage due to unutilized suction power through uncovered perforations, and printing inaccuracies caused by air turbulence, leading to inefficiencies and defects in processes like printing.
Innovation Solution
The vacuum system incorporates valves in each conveyor belt perforation that can open and close to control fluid flow, ensuring suction force is only applied where substrates are present, and a suction width regulating subsystem with displaceable lateral plates to adjust the suction area based on substrate width, along with an opening device to maintain open valves in the initial substrate reception area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional vacuum transport systems use continuous suction through all perforations, then substrates are secured to the conveyor belt, but energy is wasted through uncovered perforations where no substrate is present
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor belt is divided into multiple independent suction zones, each with its own controllable perforations. This segmentation allows individual control of suction in different areas, enabling the system to activate suction only where substrates are present rather than maintaining continuous suction across the entire belt surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the suction state of perforations based on substrate presence. Perforations transition between open and closed states in response to detected substrate positions, creating a dynamic vacuum application system that adapts to varying operational conditions rather than maintaining a static continuous suction state.
2Reliability
If suction is applied through all perforations continuously, then substrates are held securely, but suction strength becomes irregular when some perforations are blocked by substrates
Solution Approach 1:
The system detects substrate positions in advance and pre-activates the suction function in corresponding areas before the substrate reaches those perforations. This preliminary activation ensures that suction is already applied when the substrate arrives, maintaining consistent securing strength without the irregularities that occur when suction starts after substrate contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses detection means to monitor substrate positions and provides feedback to the control system, which then adjusts the suction state of individual perforations accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures that suction is applied precisely where and when needed, maintaining uniform suction strength across all substrate-contacting perforations.
3Loss of energy
If valves are added to each perforation to control suction, then energy efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the substrates themselves to trigger the valve activation. When a substrate blocks certain perforations, the pressure differential or mechanical contact automatically actuates the valves in adjacent unblocked perforations, eliminating the need for external sensors or complex control mechanisms. The system serves itself by using the operational condition (substrate presence) to control the suction distribution.
4Reliability
If air suction is maintained through all perforations, then substrates are secured, but air turbulence causes printing inaccuracies
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different suction qualities to different locations on the conveyor belt. Perforations are selectively activated or deactivated based on local substrate presence, creating localized suction zones that secure substrates without generating widespread air turbulence. This localised approach maintains substrate securing while eliminating the air flow issues that affect printing precision in areas where substrates are not present.
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 configuration enhances the uniformity and strength of substrate securing, reduces energy consumption by minimizing unused suction, and minimizes printing defects by controlling air flow, resulting in improved process reliability and energy efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The vacuum system is configured to produce fluid suction through perforations of the conveyor belt, towards the interior of the suction line, thus generating a securing force of the at least one substrate to the conveyor belt
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2c
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a vacuum system for securing substrates (1), comprising a suction line (4), the conveyor belt (2) configured to receive and transport at least one substrate (1), wherein the conveyor belt (2) is provided with a plurality of perforations (5), wherein the vacuum system is configured to produce fluid suction through the perforations (5) towards the interior of the suction line (4), generating a securing force of the at least one substrate (1) to the conveyor belt (2). The invention is characterised in that each perforation (5) is equipped with a valve (8) which allows the opening and closing of said perforation (5), allowing and impeding, respectively, the passage of a fluid flow through said perforation (5).