Circular Comb Axial Adjustment via Tapered Wedges

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing circular combs for combing machines lack the ability to make precise, continuous adjustments in the distance between the lower nipper plate and the enveloping circle without removing the comb, leading to inefficiencies in the combing process.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a circular comb design with adjustable flat wedges and an adjusting screw mechanism that allows for precise adjustment of the distance between the clothing carrier and the circular comb carrier, enabling continuous adjustment without removing the comb from the combing head, using a screw connection and self-locking wedges to secure the position.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If arc-shaped spacer elements are used to adjust the distance, then adjustability is improved, but precision of adjustment is worsened because precise adjustment down to the smallest increments is not possible

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadjustabilityVSAvoidprecision of adjustment
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the geometric parameters of the spacer element from a fixed arc-shaped design to a wedge shape with adjustable thickness. The wedge's thickness varies continuously along its length, allowing precise adjustment of the distance between the round comb and beam by sliding the wedge axially. This parameter change enables both adjustability and precision simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a dynamic adjustment mechanism where the wedge can be slid axially between the round comb carrier and beam to change the distance. This dynamic positioning, combined with the wedge's tapered geometry, allows continuous adjustment from larger to smaller distances with precise control, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Manufacturing precision

If the round comb is removed to replace spacer elements for adjustment, then precision of adjustment is improved, but productivity is worsened due to loss of time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprecision of adjustmentVSAvoidproductivity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the round comb to perform self-adjustment of its position relative to the beam through the wedge mechanism. The wedge can be slid axially to adjust the distance while the round comb remains in place, eliminating the need for removal and reinstallation. This self-service capability maintains precision while preserving productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If wedges are used as spacer elements secured by a stop screw, then adjustability is improved, but ease of operation is worsened because positioning the wedges is complex and must be carried out with the round comb removed

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadjustabilityVSAvoidease of adjustment
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the adjustment function from a complex screw-secured wedge system and implements it through a simpler axial sliding mechanism. The wedge is designed to slide freely along the axial direction between the round comb carrier and beam, allowing easy adjustment without complex securing operations or removal of the round comb.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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

This solution allows for precise and continuous adjustment of the combing distance, enhancing the combing process by enabling optimal matching to the fiber material, improving alignment, and maintaining the comb's position during operation, thus increasing productivity and precision.

Implementation Method 1

An adjusting screw (38) is provided in the flat wedge (32), which engages in an internal thread (39) in the flat wedge (32), its axis (42) also being parallel to the axis (6) of the round comb

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectScrew mechanism: Screw

Implementation Method 2

at least one flat wedge (32) which, viewed in the direction of the axis (6) of the round comb shaft (8), has a cross-section that tapers continuously from the end (33) of the set carrier (10) in the direction of the axis (6) of the round comb shaft (8)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWedge mechanism: Wedge

Data Source

PatentEP3633085B1Circular comb for a combing machine
Publication Date: 2022.12.28 GRAF CIE AG
  • EP3633085B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3633085B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3633085B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The present invention relates to a round comb (7) for a combing machine, wherein the round comb (7) comprises a comb set (13) and a round comb axle (6), with a set carrier (10) and at least one round comb support (9, 30). The set carrier (10) is held on the round comb support (9, 30). Between the set carrier (10) and the round comb support (9, 30), at least two adjustment devices (27) are provided in a respective end region (26) of the set carrier (10) for adjusting a distance (A, B) between the set carrier (10) and the round comb support (9, 30). The adjusting device (27) comprises flat wedges (32) arranged between the set carrier (10) and the round comb carrier (9, 30) in the end region (26) of the set carrier (10), which have a continuous cross-sectional tapering directed towards the set carrier (10) or the round comb carrier (9, 30) starting from the respective end (33) of the set carrier (10) in the direction of the round comb axis (6).The continuous cross-sectional reduction is provided by a chamfer (36) of a surface of the flat wedge (32) facing the assembly carrier (10), wherein the chamfer (36) has a wedge angle (α) of 6 degrees or less.