Circular Comb Adjustment Mechanism for Combing Machines

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing circular combs for combing machines lack precise and continuous adjustment capabilities for the distance between the lower nipper plate and the enveloping circle, requiring step-wise adjustments and often necessitating removal from the machine for spacer element changes, which can lead to tension issues and limited precision.

Innovation Solution

A circular comb design featuring a clothing carrier and circular comb carrier attached to a shaft via connecting screws, with an insert rail and adjustment devices between the carrier and shaft, allowing for precise adjustment of the distance without altering the comb's shape or damaging the shaft, enabling continuous and accurate setting of the nipper plate's position relative to the enveloping circle.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If arc-shaped spacer elements are used to adjust the circumradius of the comb set, then adjustment capability is provided, but the outer radius of the spacer element changes while the inner radius remains constant, leading to stresses between the beam and spacer element

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment capabilityVSAvoidstresses between beam and spacer element
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by using interchangeable spacers with different thicknesses to precisely adjust the distance between the lower clamping plate and the outer circle of the round comb's combing element. Each spacer has specific dimensional parameters that allow precise positioning while maintaining constant radii, thereby avoiding stress concentration issues associated with arc-shaped spacers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If interchangeable spacers are inserted between the base body and support element to precisely adjust the circumcircle radius, 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:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the adjustment mechanism into modular components: the round comb support, the insert rail, and interchangeable spacers. This segmentation allows the spacers to be independently replaced without removing the entire round comb from the combing device, significantly reducing adjustment time while maintaining precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The insert rail acts as an intermediary element between the round comb support and the round comb shaft. It provides a standardized interface that allows spacers to be quickly exchanged without disturbing the main combing assembly, enabling rapid adjustments while preserving measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If wedge elements are inserted between the round comb support and round comb shaft for height adjustment, then continuous adjustment is enabled, but the wedge elements must be guided in the axial direction to avoid tilting and damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontinuous adjustmentVSAvoidguidance requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses simple, replaceable spacers instead of complex wedge elements that require guidance mechanisms. The spacers are straightforward cylindrical or rectangular elements that can be easily inserted and removed without requiring complex guidance structures, thereby reducing device complexity while still enabling precise adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Data Source

PatentEP3754055B1Circular comb for a combing machine
Publication Date: 2021.12.01 GRAF CIE AG
  • EP3754055B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3754055B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4b
  • EP3754055B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present invention relates to a round comb (7) and a comb head (1) for a combing machine, wherein the round comb (7) comprises a comb set (13) and a round comb shaft (6), with a comb support (10) and at least one round comb support (9). The comb support (10) is held on the round comb support (9), and the round comb support (9) is fastened to a round comb shaft (8) by connecting screws (24). A cover plate (25) is attached to each end of the round comb support (9) as viewed in the direction of the round comb shaft (6). An insert rail (31) is provided between the round comb support (9) and the round comb shaft (8). Between the round comb carrier (9) and the insert rail (31) at least one adjustment device is provided in a respective end area (27) of the round comb carrier (9) for adjusting a distance (A) between the insert rail (31) and the round comb carrier (9).