Web Forming Device Thickness Control via Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for processing paper fibers face challenges in maintaining the thickness of accumulated fibers due to significant variations caused by surface roughness, making it difficult to adjust the thickness accurately.
Innovation Solution
A web forming device equipped with a distributor, accumulator, conveyor, compression device, measurement device, and controller that measures and adjusts the thickness distribution of the web by comparing measurements with a set distribution, allowing for precise control of the material supply and air flow to achieve consistent thickness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If light reflection method is used to measure thickness, then non-contact measurement is achieved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to surface roughness
Solution Approach 1:
The compression device compresses the fiber web before thickness measurement to smooth out surface peaks and valleys, eliminating the measurement error caused by surface roughness. This preliminary compression action ensures that the subsequent optical measurement reflects the true average thickness rather than being distorted by surface irregularities.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression device acts as an intermediary between the fiber web formation and the thickness measurement. It modifies the web's surface condition to make it suitable for non-contact optical measurement, enabling accurate thickness detection without direct contact with the measured object.
2Device complexity
If fiber accumulation is performed without compression, then web formation is simple, but thickness distribution control deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Compression is applied to the fiber web at an early stage in the formation process, before the web is fully set. This preliminary compression action establishes uniform thickness distribution early in the process, making subsequent processing easier and more predictable.
Solution Approach 2:
The thickness measurement device provides feedback on the web's thickness distribution after compression. This information is used to adjust and optimize the compression parameters, creating a closed-loop control system that continuously improves thickness uniformity while maintaining process simplicity.
3Measurement precision
If compression is applied to smooth surface peaks and valleys, then thickness measurement accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The compression device and measurement device are integrated into a single coordinated system. The compression unit applies controlled compression while the measurement unit simultaneously or subsequently measures the thickness, allowing both functions to work together efficiently rather than as separate complex systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own compression action to create the conditions needed for accurate measurement. The compression device prepares the web in a way that enables the measurement device to function accurately, making the system self-sufficient and reducing the need for additional complex external equipment.
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
Enables accurate measurement and adjustment of the web thickness, improving the consistency and quality of the processed fiber products by smoothing out surface peaks and valleys, thus maintaining the desired thickness and density.
Implementation Method 1
Methods of measuring the thickness of a formed product by detecting the reflection of light emitted to the object of which the thickness is to be measured
Implementation Method 2
a compression device configured to compress the web conveyed in the first direction
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is technology enabling appropriately maintaining or adjusting the thickness of accumulated fiber when accumulating and processing fiber. A sheet manufacturing apparatus 100 has a distributor 60 that distributes a mixture MX containing fiber; a second web former 70 that forms a second web W2; a mesh belt 72 that conveys the second web W2 in a conveyance direction F1; a roller unit 650 that compresses the second web W2; a measurement device 400 that measures the distribution of the thickness of the second web W2 in a second direction intersecting the conveyance direction F1 while the second web W2 is being compressed by the roller unit 650, or after the second web W2 is compressed by the roller unit 650; and a controller 110 that compares a measurement from the measurement device 400 with a set thickness distribution, and controls the thickness distribution of the second web W2.