Adaptive Cleaning Control for Open-End Spinning Rotors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing open-end spinning machines rely on fixed cleaning settings for spinning rotors, which can lead to insufficient cleaning and quality issues during the piecing process, requiring operators to repeatedly adjust settings based on empirical values.

Innovation Solution

A method where a control device dynamically determines cleaning settings using a knowledge store that includes parameters like rotor type, channel plate adapter type, and cleaning device settings, allowing for adaptive cleaning by adjusting the opening angle of the cover element and speed of the spinning rotor, with options for operator confirmation and feedback.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If fixed predetermined cleaning settings are used, then the cleaning procedure is simple to operate, but the cleaning result is insufficient and requires repeated operator adjustments

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning resultVSAvoidoperator adjustment frequency
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic cleaning settings that automatically adjust based on detected rotor contamination levels and operational parameters. The control unit modifies cleaning intensity, duration, and frequency in real-time rather than using fixed predetermined settings, enabling the system to adapt to varying contamination conditions and achieve consistent cleaning results without operator intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where sensors detect rotor contamination levels and operational parameters, and this information is fed back to the control unit which automatically adjusts cleaning parameters. This closed-loop control ensures optimal cleaning results by continuously monitoring and responding to actual rotor conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Manufacturing precision

If empirical settings are manually determined through trials, then the cleaning can be adapted to specific conditions, but the setup time and productivity are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning adequacyVSAvoidsetup time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-adjustment of cleaning parameters based on sensor data and stored knowledge about different rotor types and contamination patterns. The control unit automatically determines appropriate cleaning settings without requiring operator trials or empirical adjustments, enabling the system to serve itself in optimizing cleaning performance while maintaining high productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent pre-stores cleaning parameter configurations for various rotor types and contamination conditions in the control unit. When a specific rotor type is installed, the system automatically retrieves and applies the appropriate pre-configured settings, eliminating the need for manual trial-and-adjustment processes and reducing setup time while ensuring adequate cleaning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If cleaning settings are fixed during initial commissioning, then the system is easy to operate, but the cleaning quality deteriorates when parameters change

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol simplicityVSAvoidcleaning quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system maintains ease of operation with automatic parameter adjustment by implementing dynamic cleaning settings that adapt to changing rotor types and contamination conditions. The control unit automatically modifies cleaning intensity, duration, and frequency based on real-time sensor data, eliminating the need for operator intervention while maintaining consistent high-quality cleaning results across varying operational parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements automatic parameter changes in cleaning settings based on detected rotor characteristics and contamination levels. The control unit modifies cleaning parameters such as air pressure, duration, and frequency dynamically, allowing the system to maintain optimal cleaning quality across different rotor types and operating conditions without requiring complex manual reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 approach improves cleaning results by allowing for tailored cleaning measures based on current parameters, reducing the need for operator intervention and enhancing the quality and efficiency of the piecing process.

Implementation Method 1

cleaning bores (9), in particular in the cover element (15), through which compressed air can be blown into the spinning rotor (4)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompressed air flow: Jet

Implementation Method 2

cleaning head featuring mechanical cleaning elements such as scrapers

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical scraping: Abrasion

Data Source

PatentEP3453790B1Method for cleaning a spinning rotor and spinning unit of the open-end type with at least one spinning device and a cleaning device for cleaning of a spinning rotor
Publication Date: 2023.06.14 MASCHINENFABRIK RIETER AG
  • EP3453790B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3453790B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3453790B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

In a method for cleaning a spinning rotor (4) of a spinning device (1) of an open-end spinning machine, at least one cleaning measure (RM) is performed on the spinning rotor (4) by means of a pneumatic and/or a mechanical cleaning device (7), wherein settings (E) with which the at least one cleaning measure (RM) is carried out are specified by a control unit (24) of the open-end spinning machine. Various parameters (P) are stored in a knowledge memory (25). Furthermore, previously empirically determined settings (E) suitable for carrying out the cleaning measure (RM) for the respective parameters (P) and/or rules (R) for determining settings (E) suitable for the respective parameters (P) are stored.The settings (E) for carrying out the at least one cleaning measure (RM) are determined independently by the control unit (24) using the knowledge memory (25), depending on the currently given parameters (P). In an open-end spinning machine with at least one spinning device (1) with a spinning rotor (4), with at least one cleaning device (7) and with a control unit (24), the control unit (24) is configured to carry out the described procedure.