Bale opener removal arm force-dependent height adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bale openers face reliability issues in height adjustment and positioning of the removal arm due to structural influences, leading to inconsistent removal performance of fiber flakes from fiber bales.

Innovation Solution

A force-dependent height adjustment mechanism for the removal arm, utilizing load cells connected to a pressure element that measures contact force directly on the fiber bales, ensuring accurate and independent force measurement regardless of arm position or lifting mechanism effects.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the removal arm is lowered onto the fiber bales using chain, belt or spindle drives for height adjustment, then the height can be adjusted to existing fiber bales, but the measurement of contact force becomes unreliable due to structural influences and wear of guides

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability of height adjustment and positioningVSAvoidprecision of contact force measurement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

A force sensor is introduced as an intermediary element between the removal arm and the fiber bales to directly measure contact force. This mediator isolates the measurement process from the mechanical lifting mechanism, eliminating errors caused by chain, belt, or spindle drive variations and guide wear.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The contact force measurement function is extracted from the lifting mechanism. Instead of relying on the lifting mechanism's position feedback, the patent uses a dedicated force sensor that independently measures contact force, separating the measurement function from the mechanical drive system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Measurement precision

If the removal arm weight is measured using a load cell integrated into the lifting gear, then weight reduction during lifting can be equated with contact force, but measurement errors occur due to wear of guides and vibrations in the chassis

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecision of contact force measurementVSAvoidreliability of measurement under changing operating conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A force sensor is positioned as a direct intermediary between the removal arm and the fiber bales, measuring contact force independently of the lifting mechanism's operational conditions. This eliminates the influence of guide wear and chassis vibrations on measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The contact force measurement is extracted from the lifting gear assembly. The force sensor is mounted on the removal arm itself, separating the measurement function from the chain, belt, or spindle drive system, thereby eliminating errors from mechanical wear and vibrations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of operation

If various sensors and correction factors are used to determine removal arm position and infer removal force, then height adjustment can be controlled, but the system becomes complex and unreliable without actual force measurement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of height adjustment controlVSAvoidreliability of removal force determination

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanical system of sensors and correction factors for inferring force is replaced with a direct force sensor that provides actual contact force measurement. This substitution eliminates the complexity of multiple sensors and correction algorithms while improving reliability through direct measurement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The force sensor provides self-service by directly measuring contact force without requiring external correction factors or complex calculation systems. The measurement is obtained inherently through the sensor's direct contact with the fiber bales, simplifying the control system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 provides reliable and controllable height adjustment and positioning of the removal arm, ensuring consistent and efficient removal of fiber flakes by directly measuring contact force, thus improving the continuity of spinning mill processes.

Implementation Method 1

the weight of the removal arm is measured using a load cell. If the removal arm now comes to rest on the fiber bale, its weight is reduced or the removal arm is even raised

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWeight measurement: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP3536834B1Bale opener

Publication Date: 2023.10.18 RIETER CZ AS

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AI summary

The invention relates to a removal arm (6) for a bale opener (1), a bale opener, and a method for removing fiber flakes (10) from fiber bales (2). The removal arm (6) comprises a housing (15), at least one removal element (7) with an axial length (16), and a pressure element (17). The pressure element (17) is connected to the housing (15) via load cells (21).