Carding Strip Positive-Locking Assembly for Precise Tooth Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing carding elements for spinning machines face challenges in aligning stamped tooth segments with tight tolerances, leading to increased manufacturing effort and costs due to heat-induced distortion and the need for re-grinding.

Innovation Solution

A carding strip with tooth segments arranged parallel to each other, secured by a positive-locking connection to a carrier plate, eliminating the need for additional connecting elements and reducing manufacturing effort through a C-shaped cross-section or recesses for a secure fit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If tooth segments are joined by soldering or welding to form packages, then the tooth segments are securely connected to the cover bar, but heat-induced distortion causes individual tooth segments to warp, necessitating re-grinding to guarantee precise alignment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidalignment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces thermal joining methods (soldering/welding) with a mechanical positive-locking connection system. The carrier plate features engagement elements that mechanically interlock with corresponding elements on the tooth segments, providing secure connection without heat input. This substitution eliminates heat-induced distortion while maintaining connection strength, thereby preserving alignment precision without requiring re-grinding operations.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The carrier plate serves as an intermediary component between the cover bar and the tooth segments. It provides a standardized mounting interface with positive-locking engagement elements that facilitate precise alignment and secure connection of tooth segments. This intermediary structure absorbs the complexity of connection and alignment, allowing tooth segments to be accurately positioned and firmly attached without direct welding or soldering to the cover bar, thus avoiding heat distortion issues.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If individual tooth segments are arranged with tight tolerances in one plane, then alignment precision is improved, but manufacturing effort and costs significantly increase due to the need for grinding flat at tips

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidmanufacturing effort
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary alignment features directly into the carrier plate structure during its manufacturing process. The carrier plate is pre-formed with engagement elements and positioning features that guide tooth segments into correct alignment during assembly. This preliminary preparation of the mounting structure eliminates the need for post-assembly grinding operations, allowing tooth segments to achieve precise alignment through the designed mechanical interfaces rather than requiring costly and time-consuming grinding processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The positive-locking connection system is designed to automatically self-align and self-position the tooth segments during assembly. The engagement elements on the carrier plate and corresponding features on the tooth segments work together to automatically establish correct alignment and secure attachment. This self-aligning mechanism eliminates the need for external alignment operations such as grinding, reducing manufacturing effort while ensuring precise alignment of all tooth segments in one plane.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4227456B1Clothing carrier for a carding element of a spinning machine; carding element and spinning machine
Publication Date: 2026.03.18 TRÜTZSCHLER GRP SE
  • EP4227456B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4227456B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b
  • EP4227456B1 patent drawingFigure 4a~4b

AI summary

The invention relates to a carding strip for a carding element of a spinning machine, such as a carding machine, comprising a carrier plate and a plurality of tooth segments, each with a tooth head having a plurality of teeth and a tooth root opposite the tooth head, wherein the tooth segments are arranged one behind the other along the longitudinal extension of the carrier plate, each bearing its tooth root on the carrier plate and the tooth segments being held on the carrier plate by means of a positive locking connection. The invention further relates to a carding element of a spinning machine, such as a carding machine, comprising such a carding strip and a spinning machine with such a carding element.