Circular Comb Cleaning via Mass-Dependent Sensor Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing combing machines face challenges in maintaining consistent cleanliness of combing segments due to deposits sticking between clothing teeth, which impede the combing process, requiring frequent manual monitoring and adjustments that are labor-intensive and unreliable, especially with increasing comb numbers and lap weights.
Innovation Solution
A device with a sensor system that continuously monitors the mass of combed-out components within the combing segment, adjusting the cleaning intensity of the cleaning elements automatically based on measured values, ensuring effective removal of deposits and maintaining combing quality through a combination of mechanical and pneumatic cleaning stages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If visual monitoring by operator is used to detect deposits on combing elements, then combing quality can be maintained, but personnel costs increase and monitoring reliability depends on operator availability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual visual monitoring system with an automatic optical sensor system. The sensor detects deposits on combing elements and sends signals to the control unit, which automatically adjusts cleaning parameters. This substitution eliminates the need for operator intervention while maintaining or improving monitoring reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The combing machine performs self-monitoring and self-adjustment through the integrated sensor system. The control unit automatically responds to sensor signals by adjusting cleaning element parameters without external human input, enabling the system to maintain itself during operation.
2Reliability
If brush roller rotational speed is increased to remove deposits, then cleaning effectiveness improves, but energy consumption increases and combing speed must be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of brush roller rotational speed based on real-time sensor feedback. The control unit increases brush speed only when deposits are detected by the sensor, and maintains normal combing speed when cleaning is not required. This dynamic response eliminates the need for continuous high-speed operation or mandatory speed reductions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (brush roller speed, penetration depth) based on detected conditions. The control unit adjusts these parameters in response to sensor signals about deposit accumulation, optimizing cleaning effectiveness while maintaining productivity during normal operation.
3Reliability
If radial distance between brush shaft and comb shaft is reduced to increase bristle penetration, then cleaning effectiveness improves, but mechanical wear increases and adjustment complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of the radial distance between brush shaft and comb shaft through the control unit. The system automatically reduces or increases penetration depth in response to sensor feedback about cleaning effectiveness, eliminating the need for manual adjustment mechanisms and reducing mechanical wear from constant friction.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system provides continuous feedback to the control unit about deposit levels and cleaning effectiveness. The control unit uses this feedback to automatically adjust the radial position of the brush roller, creating a closed-loop control system that optimizes cleaning without manual intervention.
4Reliability
If frequent cleaning cycles are performed to maintain combing element cleanliness, then combing quality is maintained, but productivity decreases due to speed reductions during cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The optical sensor provides continuous feedback about deposit accumulation on combing elements. The control unit responds only when deposits reach levels that would affect combing quality, eliminating unnecessary cleaning cycles and maintaining full productivity during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from periodic scheduled cleaning to event-driven cleaning based on actual deposit accumulation. Cleaning actions are triggered only when the sensor detects deposits requiring removal, rather than following a fixed schedule that would reduce productivity.
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
The system ensures consistent and automatic maintenance of combing segment cleanliness, reducing manual intervention and maintaining high combing quality by adjusting cleaning intensity in real-time, thus extending maintenance intervals and improving productivity.
Implementation Method 1
A device (500) is proposed to continuously detect the mass of combed-out components (K) within the combing assembly (6) of the comb segment (7)
Implementation Method 2
A device (500) is proposed to continuously detect the mass of combed-out components (K) within the combing assembly (6) of the comb segment (7), wherein the means (S1, S2, S3) for detecting are optoelectronic sensors
Implementation Method 3
The bristles of the brush roller strip the combed-out components from the combing elements of the combing segment and, under the influence of suction, convey them to a suction channel
Implementation Method 4
This suction channel, connected to a vacuum source, is linked to a housing in which the brush roller is rotatably mounted
Implementation Method 5
The bristles of the brush roller strip the combed-out components from the combing elements of the combing segment
Implementation Method 6
The respective cleaning unit (44, 58) is influenced in its cleaning effect (cleaning intensity) depending on the mass of the combed-out components (K) located within the combing assembly (6)
Implementation Method 7
the cleaning intensity of the at least one cleaning element is adjusted based on predetermined base values according to the recorded values
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device for cleaning a comb segment (7) of a circular comb (4) mounted for rotation via a shaft (5) in a machine frame of a combing machine, which circular comb (4) during a comb play combs a fibre tuft (FB) protruding from a clamping point (KS) of a nipper assembly (1), comprising at least one first cleaning element (44) arranged in the region of an enveloping circle (HK) of the comb segment (7) of the circular comb (4). In order to achieve a constant combing effect though the comb segment, it is proposed that, as viewed at a radial distance from the enveloping circle (HK) of the comb segment (7) and in the circumferential direction of the circular comb (4), at least one means (S1,S2,S3) is attached for detecting the mass of combed components (K) located within the comb segment (7), wherein the means is connected to a control unit (ST) which is connected to a display device (75) and/or to a control (SM, SZ) of the at least one cleaning element (44), via which control unit the cleaning intensity of the first cleaning element can be adjusted.