Variable-Friction Creping Blade for Higher Tissue Caliper
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Solution Overview
Problem
The creping process for cellulosic products often results in a finished product with limited caliper due to the inability to effectively increase the thickness of the web during the removal from the drying drum.
Innovation Solution
A creping blade with sections of varying coefficients of friction, where a first section with a lower coefficient of friction is used initially to facilitate web removal, followed by a second section with a higher coefficient of friction to form microfolds and macrofolds, thereby increasing the caliper of the final tissue product.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a conventional creping blade with uniform friction surface is used, then the web can be removed from the drum, but the caliper (thickness) of the finished tissue product is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The creping blade shelf is divided into multiple zones with different friction characteristics. The first zone has a smooth surface with low friction coefficient for initial web contact and gentle folding, while the second zone has a rough surface with high friction coefficient for creating additional microfolds and macrofolds. This local differentiation of surface properties enables the blade to perform multiple functions (web removal, microfolding, macrofolding) in sequence, thereby increasing caliper without requiring a completely complex blade structure
2Ease of operation
If the creping blade creates more microfolds and macrofolds to increase caliper, then the thickness and flexibility of the tissue product improve, but the complexity of the blade surface structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blade shelf surface is segmented into distinct friction zones rather than being uniform. The first zone provides gentle web handling while the second zone creates the folding action. This segmentation allows each zone to be optimized for its specific function, achieving the desired flexibility and caliper increase through a relatively simple two-zone structure rather than a complex multi-component 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
The creping blade effectively increases the number and dimension of microfolds and macrofolds, resulting in a tissue product with enhanced caliper, allowing for flexibility in tissue making process parameters such as basis weight, moisture content, and mechanical drying, while reducing material and energy costs.
Implementation Method 1
the shelf has a first section having a first coefficient of friction and a second section have a second coefficient of friction and the second coefficient of friction is greater than the first coefficient of friction
Data Source
AI summary
A creping blade having a first side face, a second side face, and a shelf extending from the first side face to the second side face, with a scraping edge at the intersection of the first side face and the shelf. The shelf has a first section having a first coefficient of friction and a second section have a second coefficient of friction and the second coefficient of friction is greater than the first coefficient of friction.