Web Humidifier with Segmented Mist Elements for Uniform Moisture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sheet manufacturing apparatuses face challenges in uniformly applying moisture to webs, which can affect the mechanical strength and quality of the final sheet product.
Innovation Solution
A sheet manufacturing apparatus featuring a humidifier with multiple mist generation elements arranged in line symmetry, controlled by a processor to ensure uniform moisture application, combined with a web transport system that uses a suction mechanism to hold and transport the web, allowing for precise control of moisture content and distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single humidifier is used to apply moisture to the web, then the device complexity is reduced, but the uniformity of moisture distribution deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The humidifier is divided into multiple independent mist generation elements (first mist generation element, second mist generation element, etc.) that can be individually controlled. Each element targets a specific region of the web, allowing precise control of moisture distribution across different areas while maintaining overall system functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the web receive different amounts of moisture through independently controllable mist generation elements. The controller adjusts each element based on local conditions (web position, moisture content requirements), ensuring optimal moisture distribution tailored to specific areas rather than uniform treatment across the entire web.
2Strength
If moisture is applied to the web, then the mechanical strength of the sheet is improved through hydrogen bond formation, but excessive moisture can cause variability in sheet quality
Solution Approach 1:
The controller monitors web moisture content and adjusts the operation of each mist generation element accordingly. By measuring actual moisture levels and comparing them to target values, the system dynamically adjusts mist generation to maintain optimal moisture content for hydrogen bond formation while preventing over-moisturizing that would cause quality variability.
Solution Approach 2:
The mist generation elements are dynamically controlled based on real-time web conditions. The controller adjusts the timing, duration, and intensity of mist generation for each element, allowing the system to adapt to varying web properties and environmental conditions to consistently achieve optimal moisture content for sheet strength.
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
This solution ensures uniform moisture application across the web, enhancing the mechanical strength of the sheet by forming hydrogen bonds between fiber fibrils, resulting in improved sheet quality and reduced variability.
Implementation Method 1
The humidifier includes at least a first mist generation element and a second mist generation element
Implementation Method 2
a web transport portion including a transport belt configured to hold and transport the web
Implementation Method 3
a sheet forming portion configured to perform at least one of heating and pressing on the web to which the moisture was applied
Data Source
AI summary
The sheet manufacturing apparatus includes a deposition portion configured to deposit a material containing a fiber to form a web, a web transport portion including a transport belt configured to hold and transport the web, a humidifier provided to face the transport belt and configured to apply moisture to the web, a sheet forming portion configured to perform at least one of heating and pressing on the web to which the moisture was applied, and a controller. The humidifier includes at least a first mist generation element and a second mist generation element, and the controller is configured to individually control the first mist generation element and the second mist generation element.