Carding Gap Adjustment via Wedge Sliding Strips

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current carding machines lack a mechanism for simultaneous and precise adjustment of the gap between stationary carding elements and the drum, leading to potential collisions due to thermal stress-induced changes in component dimensions, which cannot be adjusted during operation.

Innovation Solution

A device featuring arcuate sliding strips on an extension arch with adjustable preload, allowing carding elements to be securely held and adjusted without loosening fasteners, enabling automatic adjustment of the carding gap across pre-, main, and post-carding zones.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If the gap between stationary carding elements and the drum is set when the machine is cold, then a defined initial gap is established, but the gap decreases during operation due to thermal stress, leading to possible collisions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinitial gap settingVSAvoidcollision prevention
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing the fixed gap setting with a dynamic adjustment mechanism. The extension arc with wedge-shaped sliding strips allows the stationary carding elements to automatically adjust their position relative to the drum during operation, compensating for thermal expansion and maintaining a safe gap without collisions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by allowing the gap distance to vary dynamically based on operating conditions. The wedge-shaped sliding strips enable continuous adjustment of the extension arc radius, changing the gap parameter in response to thermal stress and operational requirements, rather than maintaining a fixed initial setting.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If individual adjusting elements are used for each stationary element, then precise individual adjustment is possible, but simultaneous adjustment of all stationary elements is not currently practiced, increasing adjustment time and complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindividual gap precisionVSAvoidadjustment mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the adjustment function into a single unified mechanism - the extension arc with wedge-shaped sliding strips. This single mechanism simultaneously controls the position of all stationary carding elements relative to the drum, eliminating the need for multiple individual adjusting elements while maintaining precise gap control across all elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The extension arc serves multiple functions: it supports all stationary carding elements, provides simultaneous adjustment for all elements, and acts as the primary structural component connecting the elements to the drum. This multi-functional design reduces overall device complexity while maintaining adjustment precision.

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

3Stability of the object's composition

If the carding elements are firmly fixed to the extension arc, then stable position is maintained, but adjustment during operation requires loosening fastening elements, reducing ease of operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelement position stabilityVSAvoidadjustment ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the static fastening system into a dynamic adjustment system. The wedge-shaped sliding strips enable the carding elements to move along the extension arc during operation, allowing continuous gap adjustment without loosening fasteners. The fastening elements remain engaged while permitting controlled movement through the wedge mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The wedge-shaped sliding strips act as intermediaries between the carding elements and the extension arc. These strips transmit adjustment forces while maintaining secure engagement, enabling position changes without requiring the fastening elements to be loosened or disengaged.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enables precise and simultaneous adjustment of the carding gap, preventing collisions and ensuring consistent performance across all zones, with adjustable preload to accommodate varying fiber sizes and operating conditions.

Implementation Method 1

each sliding strip is wedge-shaped and is slidably arranged on a mutually aligned wedge-shaped surface of the extension arc

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWedge: Wedge

Data Source

PatentEP3864203B1Card having a device for setting the carding gap between stationary elements and a drum
Publication Date: 2023.10.04 TRUETZSCHLER GRP SE
  • EP3864203B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3864203B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3864203B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a carder having a device for setting the gap between stationary carding elements (20), extractor hoods or scraper blades of a drum (4), wherein the stationary carding elements (20,) extractor hoods or scraper blades interact with at least one arcuate sliding bar (31) which, by means of an extension arc (30), are arranged on both sides of the drum (4) on a side shield, wherein each sliding bar (31) is wedge-shaped and displaceably arranged on a wedge-shaped surface of the extension arc (30) that are oriented towards each other, wherein the sliding part (31) is adjustable and flexible on the extension arc (30) by means of a setting device (36).The invention is characterised in that the carder elements (20), extractor hoods or scraper blades are arranged on the sliding bar (31) with a pre-load and can be set at a distance from the drum (4) counter to the pre-load.