Carding Machine Control System Nep and Energy Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for minimizing neps in yarn production are inefficient, requiring experienced operators and often result in either increased neps or excessive energy consumption, with manual fiber removal and complex processes.

Innovation Solution

A card control system that automatically measures neps and drive power at different drum speeds, using mathematical algorithms to suggest optimal operating modes for minimizing neps or energy consumption, allowing operators to choose between nep-optimized and energy-optimized settings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If carding settings are adjusted to minimize nits, then nit count is reduced, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenit countVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes operating parameters (drum speed, carding settings) to find the optimal balance between nit reduction and energy consumption. By systematically varying parameters and measuring outcomes, the system identifies settings that achieve acceptable nit counts with minimized energy use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback loops where nit count measurements and energy consumption data are continuously monitored and fed back to adjust carding settings. This closed-loop control enables dynamic optimization, allowing the system to maintain quality standards while minimizing energy expenditure based on real-time performance data.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Measurement precision

If manual fiber removal is performed for analysis, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenit count measurementVSAvoidproduction speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces manual mechanical fiber removal and analysis with automated optical sensors and image processing algorithms. Cameras and computer vision systems capture and analyze fiber samples in real-time, eliminating the need for manual intervention while maintaining or improving measurement accuracy and significantly increasing production speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-analysis through automated measurement devices that continuously monitor nit counts without requiring external manual intervention. The automated system extracts, analyzes, and processes fiber samples independently, enabling continuous production while maintaining precise quality control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Manufacturing precision

If complex optimization processes are implemented, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecarding optimizationVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs multi-functional integrated components that perform multiple tasks simultaneously. For example, sensors serve both measurement and control functions, and the control system integrates parameter adjustment, data analysis, and optimization algorithms in a single unified platform, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining optimization capabilities.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system merges previously separate functions (measurement, analysis, control, and optimization) into an integrated automated system. By combining these functions into a cohesive control platform, the system reduces the number of separate devices and interfaces required, simplifying operation while achieving sophisticated optimization results.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4361328A1Method for operating a carding machine, carding machine and preparation device for spinning
Publication Date: 2024.05.01 TRÜTZSCHLER GRP SE
  • EP4361328A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4361328A1 patent drawingFigure 2~2a
  • EP4361328A1 patent drawingFigure 3~3a

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for operating a carding machine in a spinning preparation plant, in which fiber flakes are broken down, aligned and cleaned between a garnished rotating drum (4) and stationary and rotating carding elements down to the individual fiber, and the resulting fiber fleece is transferred from the drum (4) to a receiver (5) and subsequently formed into a fiber sliver, comprising a carding control with an operating unit (18), and in which, after input of a raw material and a production quantity by an operator, the carding control determines the reference drum speed (nR).The invention is characterized in that the operator starts an optimization program that allows a selection between a nit- and/or energy-optimized operating mode, wherein the carding control performs an automatic measurement series in which several sensors (30) detect the number of nits in the fiber pile at different drum speeds over a respective predetermined time period (T) and simultaneously determine the drive power of the carding machine, wherein the data from the sensors (30) and the drive power determined thereby are transmitted to a higher-level control system (43) of the spinning preparation system, which, on the basis of at least this data, uses a mathematical algorithm to suggest an operating mode of the carding machine in different quality categories to the operator.