Web Drying Apparatus Rectifying Member for Airflow Stabilization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing web drying apparatuses experience web flutter near openings due to airflow disturbances caused by the combination of gas injection for drying and additional exhaust mechanisms, leading to inefficiencies in the drying process.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a rectifying member between the blow-drying part and the exhaust part in the web drying apparatus to stabilize airflow and reduce flutter, with optional configurations including contact support members, floating support members, and adjustable blower unit intervals to optimize the drying process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If an exhaust part is provided between the blow-drying part and the opening to suppress gas retention, then gas exhaust efficiency is improved, but airflow disturbance occurs causing web flutter

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegas retentionVSAvoidweb flutter
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A rectifying member is introduced as an intermediary component between the exhaust part and the blow-drying part. This rectifying member has a surface that faces the web and extends in the transfer direction, acting as a mediator that stabilizes the airflow while allowing the exhaust part to function. The rectifying member prevents direct interaction between the exhaust airflow and the web, thereby eliminating web flutter while maintaining gas exhaust efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If gas injection is performed by the blow-drying part to dry the web, then drying function is improved, but airflow disturbance occurs near the opening

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrying functionVSAvoidairflow disturbance
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The rectifying member serves as an intermediary that modifies the airflow pattern between the blow-drying part and the opening. By positioning the rectifying member with its surface facing the web and extending in the transfer direction, it guides and stabilizes the injected gas flow, preventing turbulence and airflow disturbance near the opening while preserving the drying function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Loss of energy

If exhaust part is added to the housing, then gas retention is reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegas retentionVSAvoidapparatus structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The rectifying member is integrated with either the exhaust part or the blow-drying part, merging multiple functions into a single component structure. This integration reduces device complexity by eliminating the need for separate rectifying structures, while still achieving both gas exhaust and airflow stabilization functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 rectifying member effectively suppresses web flutter near openings by stabilizing airflow, enhancing the drying efficiency and reducing the complexity of the apparatus by integrating support functions within existing components.

Implementation Method 1

a blow-drying part which has two blower units arranged on both sides of web which is transferred in a transfer direction, and injects gas onto the web passing through a dry path between the two blower units

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGas injection drying: Evaporation

Implementation Method 2

a rectifying member which is disposed between the blow-drying part and the exhaust part in the housing and faces the web being transferred in the transfer direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFlow rectification:

Data Source

PatentEP3715756B1Web drying apparatus and web drying method
Publication Date: 2023.11.22 SCREEN HOLDINGS CO LTD
  • EP3715756B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3715756B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3715756B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A web drying apparatus, comprises: a blow-drying part which has two blower units arranged on both sides of web which is transferred in a transfer direction, and injects gas onto the web passing through a dry path between the two blower units; a housing which has a sidewall provided with an opening facing the dry path from the transfer direction, through which the web passes in the transfer direction through the opening, and houses the blow-drying part; an exhaust part which is disposed between the sidewall and the blow-drying part in the housing and exhausts gas from the inside of the housing to the outside of the housing; and a rectifying member which is disposed between the blow-drying part and the exhaust part in the housing and faces the web being transferred in the transfer direction.