Combing Machine Draw-Off Roller Control for Fiber Overlap Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing combing machines have a fixed, non-adjustable conveying distance of 25 mm per combing cycle, leading to irregularities and quality issues in the nonwoven fabric due to periodic defects and sensitivity of solder joints, which are difficult to compensate for without reducing production output.

Innovation Solution

The combing machine includes independently adjustable rotational movements of the first and second pairs of tear-off rollers, allowing variable adjustment of the conveying path to optimize the overlap length of fiber strands, independent of the gripper unit and other kinematics, using a control system to adjust based on fiber quality and desired CV values.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the conveying distance is fixed at 25 mm per combing cycle, then the combing machine operates with stable kinematics, but the nonwoven fabric exhibits irregularities and periodic defects

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability of combing processVSAvoidquality of nonwoven fabric
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the conveying distance of the tear-off rollers adjustable and variable during operation. The control system enables dynamic modification of the tear-off curve, allowing the conveying distance to be adapted to different fiber staple lengths and combing requirements, thereby eliminating periodic defects while maintaining process stability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by allowing the conveying distance parameter to be modified independently of other combing parameters. The control system adjusts the tear-off roller movement parameters (angle of rotation, timing) to optimize the conveying distance, creating a material reserve that compensates for fiber length variations and improves nonwoven fabric quality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If the tear-off roller movement is adjusted to modify conveying path, then the overlap length of fiber strands is optimized, but the complexity of the drive system increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoverlap length of fiber strandsVSAvoidcomplexity of tear-off roller drive
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing the control system to manage multiple functions through a single integrated unit. The control system not only adjusts the conveying distance but also coordinates the timing and synchronization of tear-off rollers with the combing cycle, eliminating the need for separate mechanical adjustment mechanisms for each parameter

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical adjustment systems with an electronic control system. Instead of using mechanical linkages and gearings to adjust the tear-off roller movement, the patent uses electronic control to modify the conveying path, simplifying the mechanical structure while enabling precise control of fiber strand overlap

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

Data Source

PatentEP4416326B1Combing machine and method for operating a combing machine
Publication Date: 2025.12.31 TRÜTZSCHLER GRP SE
  • EP4416326B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2b
  • EP4416326B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4416326B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a combing machine having a plurality of combing heads (20), wherein at least one lap strip (4) is unwound from a lap roll (1) at each combing head (20) and is fed to a feed cylinder (7) and a nipper assembly (5), the noils are combed out and removed by suction from the lap strip (4) by means of a fixed and cylindrical comb (9, 8), and the fiber web created is formed by means of a trumpet (15) into a fiber strip which is drawn with the other fiber strips from the other combing heads to form a single fiber strip. The invention is characterized in that a first pair of draw-off rollers (10, 12) and a second pair of draw-off rollers (11, 13) are arranged downstream of the nipper assembly (5) and carry out a pilgrim step movement, the rotational movement thereof being changeable in size and time profile by means of at least one drive independently from the movement of the nipper assembly so that a conveying path of the formed fiber web (14) is variably adjustable in the forward and reverse conveyance. The invention also relates to a method for operating a combing machine.