Bristle Pack Buffer for Brush Stuffing Machine

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for filling fiber boxes with bristle packs in brush tamping machines are complex and costly, requiring manual or semi-automatic removal of pack wrapping, which complicates the process and necessitates frequent refilling due to high cycle rates.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a separate buffer with refillable receptacles for bristle packs without pack wrapping, using a mechanical transport device to transfer bristle packs directly into fiber channels, simplifying the process and reducing the need for constant refilling by utilizing a single transport device for multiple fiber channels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual or semi-automatic removal of pack wrapping is used, then the process can handle bristle packs with wrapping, but the operational complexity and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pack wrapping is removed in advance before the bristle packs are inserted into the receptacles. This preliminary action eliminates the need for complex automatic unwrapping mechanisms during the high-speed filling process, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The filling process is segmented into distinct steps: wrapping removal is performed separately before insertion, and the intermediate storage unit is divided into multiple receptacles. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Device complexity

If a single transport device is used for multiple fiber channels, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity may be limited by the refilling frequency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidproductivity
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple bristle packs are prepared in advance and stored in separate receptacles within the intermediate storage unit. This preliminary preparation allows the single transport device to operate continuously without frequent interruptions for refilling, thereby maintaining high productivity while using simpler equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The intermediate storage unit with multiple receptacles acts as an intermediary between the operator and the transport device. It buffers the bristle packs, allowing the transport device to maintain a steady supply to multiple fiber channels without requiring frequent manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If bristle packs are stored in an intermediate storage unit with multiple receptacles, then the storage flexibility and distribution efficiency are improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The intermediate storage unit with multiple receptacles serves multiple functions: it stores different types of bristle packs, organizes them for different fiber channels, and provides a buffer for continuous operation. This multi-functionality increases adaptability while the modular design keeps the added complexity manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Productivity

If the bundle separator operates at high speeds (1000+ rpm), then the productivity increases, but the need for frequent refilling increases operational complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveproductivityVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple bristle packs are prepared and loaded into the intermediate storage unit in advance, creating a buffer that supports high-speed operation. This preliminary action ensures that the bundle separator can maintain speeds of 1000+ rpm without frequent interruptions for refilling, thereby maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The intermediate storage unit with multiple receptacles enables continuous supply of bristle packs to the transport device, which in turn continuously feeds the bundle separator. This continuity of useful action eliminates interruptions during high-speed operation, maintaining both productivity and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentEP3927212B1Method for filling a fibre container, and cluster separator
Publication Date: 2024.05.08 GB BOUCHERIE NV
  • EP3927212B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3927212B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3927212B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method for filling a fibre container of a cluster separator of a brush-stuffing machine makes provision for the packs of bristles, following prior removal of the pack wrapping, to be inserted into one of a number of mounts (42) in an interim store (32). The bristle packs (44, 46) are transferred out of the mounts (42) into the appropriate fibre channel (14, 16) by means of a mechanical transporting device (50). The invention also presents a cluster separator.