Circular Comb Carrier Spring Ribs Adjustment

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing circular comb carriers for combing machines face challenges in adjusting the distance between the lower nipper plate and the enveloping circle of the combing assembly, with existing solutions either being complex to process, leading to tension issues or requiring removal of the circular comb for adjustments, and lacking precise incremental adjustment capabilities.

Innovation Solution

A carrier design featuring a central profile with a clothing support surface and spring ribs that deflect to support the circular comb shaft, allowing for continuous adjustment of the distance between the nipper plate and the enveloping circle without removing the circular comb, using spring ribs with specific angles and supports to ensure stable attachment and precise positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If an arc-shaped spacer element is used to adjust the circumradius of the comb set, then the distance between the lower jaw plate and the comb set can be adjusted, but the outer radius of the spacer changes while the inner radius remains constant, leading to stresses between the beam and spacer

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment precisionVSAvoidstress between beam and spacer
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the geometric parameters of the spacer element by providing multiple spacers with different thicknesses (e.g., 2mm, 3mm, 4mm) to achieve different circumradii adjustments. Each spacer is designed with matching inner and outer radii that correspond to specific comb set configurations, eliminating the stress issue caused by radius mismatch while maintaining adjustment precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables dynamic adjustment of the comb set circumradius by allowing the operator to select and install different thickness spacers based on the required adjustment. This makes the system adaptable to different combing requirements without being fixed to a single radius configuration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Manufacturing precision

If interchangeable spacers are used to precisely adjust the radius of the comb assembly's circumcircle, then adjustment precision is improved, but the round comb must be removed from the combing device to readjust and replace spacers

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment precisionVSAvoidtime for removal and replacement
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent provides a set of spacers with different thicknesses that are pre-manufactured with precise dimensions. These spacers can be stored and quickly exchanged without requiring removal of the entire round comb assembly, as the spacers are accessible through the carrier structure. This preliminary preparation of multiple spacer options enables rapid adjustment while maintaining precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If the number of comb cycles per minute is increased to increase productivity, then productivity is improved, but the relatively large mass of the rotary comb needs to be accelerated or decelerated more frequently, placing high demands on the drive system and support structure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomb cycles per minuteVSAvoidacceleration and deceleration forces
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the support structure into multiple components: a carrier with spring ribs, a comb assembly, and a hub. The spring ribs act as independent elastic elements that can deflect to absorb and release energy during acceleration and deceleration phases. This segmentation allows the support structure to better handle dynamic forces without requiring a complete redesign of the entire system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The spring ribs are pre-loaded with elastic energy that can be released to cushion the acceleration and deceleration forces. When the comb assembly needs to be accelerated or decelerated, the spring ribs deflect accordingly, absorbing the shock and reducing the peak forces transmitted to the drive system and support structure. This beforehand cushioning effect protects the system from the high forces generated by frequent speed changes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 continuous adjustment of the distance between the nipper plate and the enveloping circle, reducing tension and simplifying the adjustment process, while maintaining stable attachment of the circular comb, even under high acceleration forces, without the need to remove the comb from the combing device.

Implementation Method 1

At least one pair of spring ribs (52, 57) is arranged on the central profile (51) to support the carrier (49) on a round comb shaft (8) or a support body (53). The spring ribs (52, 57) each have a support (33) at an end facing away from the central profile (51), which, when the support surface (50) rests on a surface of the round comb shaft (8) or on a surface of the support body (53), are deflected to a maximum degree.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3633084B1Circular comb for a combing machine
Publication Date: 2022.12.07 GRAF CIE AG
  • EP3633084B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3633084B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3633084B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6

AI summary

The present invention relates to a support (24, 49) for a round comb (7) of length (L) with a round comb axis (6) and to a combing device of a combing machine with a comb support surface (26) and at least one support surface (27, 50) opposite the comb support surface (26), wherein the comb support surface (26) and the support surface (27, 50) are arranged in a concentric circular shape around the round comb axis (6) in a cross-section viewed perpendicular to the length (L). The support surface (27, 50) is formed on a central profile (28, 51) and the comb support surface (26) is connected to the central profile (28, 51).On the central profile (28, 51) at least one first pair of spring ribs (31, 52) is arranged to support the carrier (24, 49) on a round comb shaft (8) or on a support body (53), wherein the spring ribs of the first pair of spring ribs (31, 52) each have a support (33) facing the round comb axis (6) at an end facing away from the central profile (28, 51).