Vacuum Forming Machine Static Removal and Dust Collection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Vacuum forming processes often result in dust accumulation on the surface of base members, which can ruin the appearance of the vacuum formed products, especially when decorative sheets with metal layers are used.

Innovation Solution

A vacuum forming machine equipped with static removers and dust collectors that create a static-free space and collect dust effectively, preventing dust accumulation by using non-blowing static removers and positioning dust collectors to intercept exhaust air, thereby electrifying and adsorbing dust particles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a vacuum forming process is performed using a decorative sheet, then the decorative sheet can be attached onto the base member, but dust accumulates on the surface of the base member and ruins the appearance of the vacuum formed product

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveappearance quality of vacuum formed productVSAvoiddust accumulation on base member surface
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A dust collector is introduced as an intermediary component between the exhaust port and the chamber interior. The dust collector intercepts dust particles carried by exhaust air before they can settle on the base member surface, thereby preventing dust accumulation while maintaining the vacuum forming process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using mechanical blowing methods to remove dust, the invention uses electrostatic fields generated by the exhaust air flow through the dust collector to attract and remove dust particles. The exhaust air itself generates the electrostatic field needed for dust collection without requiring additional mechanical blowing systems

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

2Object-affected harmful factors

If static electricity is present on the base member surface, then dust is attracted to the surface, but blowing air to remove static electricity may disturb the vacuum forming process

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedust attraction caused by static electricityVSAvoidvacuum forming process stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The exhaust air serves as an intermediary medium that carries both the harmful dust particles and the electrostatic field generation function. By utilizing the existing exhaust air flow, the system generates electrostatic fields for dust collection without introducing additional air flow that would disturb the vacuum forming process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The exhaust air system performs dual functions: it removes dust from the chamber and simultaneously generates electrostatic fields for dust collection. The system uses its own exhaust air flow to create the electrostatic field needed for dust removal, eliminating the need for separate static removal systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 machine significantly reduces dust particles on the base member surface, ensuring a fine appearance of the vacuum formed products, even when using decorative sheets with metal layers, by effectively removing static electricity and collecting dust during the forming process.

Implementation Method 1

a vacuum forming machine for attaching a decorative sheet onto a base member under a reduced pressure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVacuum: Vacuum

Implementation Method 2

at least one static remover arranged to remove static electricity from the surface of the base member that has been loaded into the chamber

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectStatic electricity removal: Electrostatic Discharge

Implementation Method 3

a dust collector arranged so as to oppose the exhaust port... electrifying and adsorbing dust particles

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrostatic adsorption: Electrostatic Deposition

Data Source

PatentEP2208607B1Vacuum forming machine and method of making vacuum formed product
Publication Date: 2011.03.16 YAMAHA MOTOR CO LTD
  • EP2208607B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2208607B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2208607B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

A vacuum forming machine includes a chamber configured to house a base member and a decorative sheet and including an exhaust port, an exhauster arranged to exhaust air from inside the chamber through the exhaust port, at least one static remover arranged to remove static electricity from a surface of the base member that has been loaded into the chamber, and a dust collector arranged so as to oppose the exhaust port.