Web Measurement Stabilization via Vacuum Suction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing measurement devices for web properties, such as paper, require excessive space and fail to provide accurate and reliable measurements due to instability and interference from dirt, dust, and moisture.
Innovation Solution
A compact sensor arrangement with a stabilizing mechanism that includes a caliper measuring sensor and a mass measuring sensor, utilizing a vacuum to stabilize the web and minimize contact, allowing for semi-contact measurements that are accurate and reliable, and integrated with a processing unit to determine properties like moisture content and basis weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a measurement device is designed to be compact, then the device complexity and space requirements are reduced, but the measurement precision and reliability deteriorate due to instability and interference from dirt, dust, and moisture
Solution Approach 1:
A stabilizing arrangement is introduced as an intermediary component between the web and the measurement sensors. This stabilizer holds the web in a fixed position during measurement, eliminating the need for complex stabilization systems while maintaining measurement accuracy. The stabilizing arrangement acts as a mediator that resolves the conflict between compact device design and measurement reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical stabilization systems with a simpler stabilizing arrangement that uses minimal mechanical intervention. Instead of elaborate mechanisms to maintain web stability, the invention employs a straightforward stabilizer that holds the web in place during the measurement process, reducing device complexity while preserving measurement precision.
2Area of stationary object
If the sensor arrangement is placed close to the web for compact design, then space requirements are reduced, but the reliability of measurements deteriorates due to interference from dirt, dust, and moisture
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizing arrangement serves as a mediator between the compact sensor arrangement and the web, enabling close placement of sensors without compromising reliability. By stabilizing the web at the measurement point, the arrangement allows sensors to be positioned close to the web while maintaining measurement reliability despite the presence of dirt, dust, and moisture.
3Measurement precision
If contact measurements are used to improve accuracy, then measurement precision improves, but the device complexity increases due to the need for stabilization systems
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizing arrangement is a simple intermediary component that enables contact measurements without requiring complex stabilization systems. It provides the necessary web stabilization through a straightforward mechanical approach, allowing precise contact measurements while keeping device complexity low.
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 solution provides stable and accurate measurements of web properties, improving the control of manufacturing processes and enhancing the quality of the end product by enabling precise and simultaneous measurement of caliper and mass, reducing the need for filtration and improving measurement reliability.
Implementation Method 1
stabilizing arrangement (104) which includes at least a part of the mass measuring sensor arrangement (102), wherein the stabilizing arrangement (104) stabilizes the web (106)
Implementation Method 2
at least one microwave resonator sensor
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus comprises a caliper measuring sensor arrangement (100), a mass measuring sensor arrangement (102), and a stabilizing arrangement (104). The caliper measuring sensor arrangement (100) measures caliper of a web (106). The mass measuring sensor arrangement (102) measures at least one of the following: a basis weight of the web (106), a moisture content, a water weight, dry weight of the web (106). The stabilizing arrangement (104) stabilizes the web (106). The stabilizing arrangement (104) includes at least a part of the mass measuring sensor arrangement (102).