Friction-Based Web Tensioning Device with Suction Holes
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing web transport assemblies face challenges in controlling web tension during processing units due to friction disturbances and added complexity, which increases costs.
Innovation Solution
A friction-based tensioning device with suction holes is introduced upstream of the processing unit, providing a controlled suction force to manage web tension by exerting a friction force on the guiding surface, allowing for precise tension control between the guiding surface and the transport device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a dancer assembly with roller and suspension linkages is used to control web tension, then web tension control is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the essential function of the dancer assembly (web tension control through friction) and implements it directly in the transport device's driving roller, eliminating the separate dancer assembly with its roller, suspension linkages, and springs. The friction-based tensioning function is integrated into the transport device itself, reducing component count while maintaining tension control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the tension control function previously performed by the separate dancer assembly with the transport device's driving roller. The driving roller now performs both web transport and web tension control through controlled friction, combining multiple functions into a single integrated component.
2Ease of operation
If a turn element with guiding surface is used to turn the web, then web direction control is achieved, but friction disturbance on web tension control occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the separate turn element with its guiding surface from the web path. Instead, the driving roller directly guides and turns the web through its rotation and positioning, eliminating the intermediate turn element that caused friction disturbances to tension control.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines the web turning function previously performed by the separate turn element with the driving roller of the transport device. The driving roller now performs both web transport, tension control, and direction guidance through its rotation and strategic positioning within the transport path.
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 improves web tension control during transport, reduces assembly complexity, and ensures accurate positioning of the web at the processing unit, eliminating the need for additional dancer assemblies.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of suction holes distributed over the guiding surface for providing a suction force to a contact side of the web, the plurality of suction holes being arranged in fluid communication to a suction source, which generates the suction force
Implementation Method 2
the guiding surface is configured to exert a friction force on the web in response to the suction force provided to the contact side of the web
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A web transport assembly is provided for transporting a web along a processing unit for processing the web, the web transport assembly comprising: - a transport device arranged for moving the web in a transport direction through a transport path along the processing unit, the transport device being arranged downstream of the processing unit relative to the transport direction; and - a friction-based tensioning device arranged upstream of the processing unit relative to the transport direction; wherein the friction-based tensioning device comprises a guiding surface for guiding the web towards the processing unit and a plurality of suction holes distributed over the guiding surface for providing a suction force to a contact side of the web, the plurality of suction holes being arranged in fluid communication to a suction source, which generates the suction force, wherein the guiding surface is configured to exert a friction force on the web in response to the suction force provided to the contact side of the web; and wherein the friction-based tensioning device is configured for controlling a tension of the web between the guiding surface and the transport device.