Web Guide Groove with Suction Orifices for Dust Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing web guiding systems for packaging materials, particularly those requiring high sterilization and minimal dust generation, face inefficiencies in dust removal due to mechanical wear at the edges of laminated packaging materials, and existing solutions like vacuum cleaners and compressed air systems are not optimal for limited air mass flow.

Innovation Solution

A V-shaped groove web guide apparatus with suction orifices arranged symmetrically on either side of the longitudinal axis, utilizing a partial vacuum of 1-5 kPa to efficiently remove dust, featuring a cylindrical sector assembly for easy manufacturing and maintenance, and sloping bottom surfaces for smooth web engagement and release.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If mechanical web guiding is used to guide packaging material edges, then web positioning accuracy is improved, but dust generation increases due to mechanical wear

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveweb positioning accuracyVSAvoiddust generation
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and removes the harmful dust particles generated during web guiding by providing suction openings that communicate with a vacuum source. The groove structure captures dust at its generation point near the web edge, and the suction system removes it before it can contaminate the packaging material or environment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The groove structure acts as an intermediary element between the web edge and the vacuum suction system. It captures dust particles generated at the web edge and channels them toward the suction openings, facilitating efficient dust removal while maintaining the necessary mechanical contact for web guidance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If vacuum systems are used to remove dust from packaging material edges, then dust removal efficiency is improved, but air mass flow requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedust removal efficiencyVSAvoidair mass flow
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The invention applies local quality by positioning suction openings specifically at locations where dust is generated during web guiding. The groove structure concentrates dust particles in specific zones, allowing targeted suction that removes dust efficiently with minimal air flow rather than requiring system-wide high-volume ventilation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The suction system applies partial action by focusing vacuum force only where dust generation occurs during web guiding, rather than applying uniform air flow across the entire web. This localized approach achieves effective dust removal with reduced overall air mass flow requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Stability of the object's composition

If grooves with long walls are used to guide web edges, then web guidance stability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveweb guidance stabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention segments the groove structure into functional zones: guidance walls for stable web positioning and suction openings for dust removal. The groove may be divided into sections with different wall lengths, where longer walls provide guidance stability and shorter sections incorporate suction openings to reduce manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The groove structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it guides the web edge for stable positioning, captures dust particles through its geometry, and channels dust to suction openings. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining guidance stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 apparatus effectively removes dust with reduced air mass flow, ensuring efficient dust removal and improved performance in high-sterilization packaging processes by providing symmetrical suction and smooth abutment initiation and termination for the packaging material edges.

Implementation Method 1

utilizing a partial vacuum of 1-5 kPa to efficiently remove dust

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPartial vacuum: Vacuum

Data Source

PatentEP2566800B1Dust removing web guide
Publication Date: 2018.07.18 TETRA LAVAL HOLDINGS & FINANCE SA
  • EP2566800B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2566800B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2566800B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present invention relates to an apparatus for guiding a web of packaging material. The apparatus comprises a groove (111) extending along the direction of transport (A) of the web, in which groove (111) a longitudinal edge of the web is intended to run during advancement of the web, abutting a bottom of the groove (111). The apparatus differs from prior art devices in that it further includes suction orifices (115) distributed along the length of the groove (111) for applying a partial vacuum for the removal of air and dust from the groove (111) and its surroundings.