Combing Machine Roller Control for Output, Quality, and Energy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing combing machines face high energy consumption and mechanical stress due to complex and high-acceleration movements of tear-off rollers, requiring powerful motors and inefficient energy use, especially at high combing frequencies.

Innovation Solution

A control unit that allows operators to select programs prioritizing maximum output, quality, or energy efficiency of the combed fiber strand, adjusting parameters such as rotational movements and energy consumption based on preselected programs, and integrating motor power and temperature monitoring.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If cam discs, cam plates, or cam grooves are used to drive tear-off rollers with high-acceleration reciprocating motion, then the combing machine can achieve high combing frequencies, but the shafts experience high mechanical loads and significant vibrations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecombing frequencyVSAvoidshaft load
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical cam-based drive system with an electric motor-driven system. The tear-off rollers are now driven by electric motors (synchronous or asynchronous) with electronic control, eliminating the need for cam discs, cam plates, and gearboxes. This substitution reduces mechanical loads on shafts and eliminates the high-acceleration reciprocating motion that caused vibrations, while still achieving the required combing frequencies through electronic speed control.

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

2Productivity

If powerful drive motors with high-performance servo inverters are used to drive tear-off rollers, then high combing frequencies can be achieved, but energy consumption increases significantly and water cooling is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecombing frequencyVSAvoidmotor energy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the operational parameters of the drive system by using standard synchronous or asynchronous motors instead of high-performance servo motors. The electronic control system adjusts motor parameters such as speed, torque, and switching frequency to optimize energy consumption. This allows the system to achieve required combing frequencies with significantly lower energy consumption, eliminating the need for water cooling systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Loss of time

If constant acceleration and deceleration of tear-off rollers is used to achieve stepping motion, then the combing process can be completed in time, but power losses increase and motors require cooling systems

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecombing cycle timeVSAvoidpower loss
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic action through the programmed control of tear-off roller rotation. The electronic control system executes periodic acceleration and deceleration cycles that are optimized to minimize energy losses. By using modern motor control techniques, the system achieves the required periodic motion for combing while reducing peak power demands and overall energy consumption compared to traditional constant high-acceleration approaches.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentEP4212656B1Method for operating a combing machine and a combing machine
Publication Date: 2026.03.25 TRÜTZSCHLER GRP SE
  • EP4212656B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4212656B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4212656B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method for operating a combing machine for spinning preparation, comprising at least one combing head (100) with a rotatingly driven circular combing roller (1) over which a fiber strand (10) is guided in periodic succession for combing, with an upper gripper (2) and a lower gripper (3) between which the fiber strand (10) to be combed is clamped and released in periodic succession, and with a rotatingly driven front break-off roller (4) and a rotatingly driven rear break-off roller (5), wherein the fiber strand (10) is separated in periodic succession by the front break-off roller (4) by moving the upper and lower gripper (2, 3) back and forth relative to the break-off rollers (4, 5) and the break-off rollers (4, 5) performing a stepping motion, wherein the rotational movements of the break-off rollers (4, 5) are synchronously controlled relative to each other by means of a control unit (11). become.According to the invention, the control unit (11) controls the front tear-off roller (4) and/or the rear tear-off roller (5) depending on programs (P1, P2, P3) selectable by an operator, wherein the selectable programs (P1, P2, P3) include at least: - a first program (P1) according to which a maximum output quantity of combed fiber strand (10) is produced and/or - a second program (P2) according to which a maximum quality of the combed fiber strand (10) is produced and/or - a third program (P3) according to which a minimum energy per quantity of combed fiber strand (10) is required.