Carding Machine Gap Control via Local Display and Input

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Solution Overview

Problem

Operators of spinning preparation machines, such as cards, face difficulties in accessing necessary information for setting up the carding gap on the machine itself, often requiring frequent visits to central storage facilities for operating instructions, which hinders efficient operation and setup.

Innovation Solution

A method that integrates a controller, display device, and input device on the card, allowing for the input of raw material and production quantity, calculation of target carding gap width, and display of target values, enabling operators to adjust settings without leaving the machine and facilitating automatic adjustments for optimal carding results.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If operating instructions are stored in a central storage facility, then information can be stored in one location, but operators must repeatedly access the central facility which reduces operational efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecentralized information storageVSAvoidoperational efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the centralized information storage system into distributed storage units. Each carding machine is equipped with its own display device and input device that can store and access operating instructions locally, eliminating the need for operators to repeatedly visit the central storage facility while maintaining information availability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a new dimension of information access by implementing both central and local storage systems simultaneously. Operators can access information either centrally or locally at the machine level, providing multiple pathways for information retrieval and improving operational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Loss of information

If operators access central storage facility for operating instructions, then they can obtain necessary information, but they must leave the machine which hinders efficient operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess to operating instructionsVSAvoidtime spent leaving machine
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-loading operating instructions and card setting parameters into the local display devices at each machine. Operators can access this information directly at the machine without leaving, as the necessary data has been prepared and stored in advance at the point of use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary layer between the central storage facility and the operator. The local display device acts as a mediator that caches and presents operating instructions locally, eliminating the need for operators to physically travel to the central facility while ensuring information accuracy through connection to the central system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If carding gap settings are not accurately maintained, then equipment can operate continuously, but poor-quality fiber production and equipment damage may occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontinuous operationVSAvoidfiber quality and equipment safety
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the control system continuously monitors the actual carding gap width using measurement devices and compares it with the target value. When deviations are detected, the system automatically generates adjustment commands or alerts operators, ensuring the carding gap remains within acceptable tolerances to maintain fiber quality and prevent equipment damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables the carding machine to perform self-adjustment of the carding gap through automated control systems. The machine monitors its own parameters and makes necessary adjustments without external intervention, maintaining optimal settings for fiber quality while ensuring continuous operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3751027B1Carding machine and method for operating a carding machine and for adjusting the carding gap of the carding machine
Publication Date: 2021.12.22 MASCHINENFABRIK RIETER AG
  • EP3751027B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3751027B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

In a method for operating a carding machine (1) and for setting a carding gap (6) of the carding machine (1), the carding machine (1) comprises a control unit (7), a display unit, and an input device (8, 9) on the carding machine (1), and a drum (2) with a carding set and at least one carding set element arranged opposite the drum (2), wherein a carding gap (6) with a carding gap width (W) is formed between the carding set of the drum (2) and the carding set element. The following process steps are performed: - Input of raw material intended for carding into the input device (9), - Input of a desired production quantity into the input device (9), - Setting of a target carding gap width, - Output of the target carding gap width on the display device (8), - Determination and output of a target drum speed and/or a target cover speed on the display device (8).