Combing Machine Suction Channel Segmentation for Vacuum Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing combing machines face challenges in efficiently collecting and processing combed-out components due to inadequate vacuum application and accessibility issues, leading to potential blockages and reduced productivity.
Innovation Solution
A design where suction tubes from combing units open into a common suction channel connected to a vacuum source, with separate vacuum requirements for fiber web formation and component collection, ensuring easy access and maintenance, and using blow-molded plastic tubes to prevent fiber accumulation and blockages. The suction and collecting channels are positioned below the combing units for accessibility and compactness, with adjustable pressure control using air pressure sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a common suction channel is used for all combing units, then device complexity is reduced, but different vacuum requirements for fiber web formation and component collection cannot be met
Solution Approach 1:
The suction system is divided into separate suction channels - a first suction channel for component collection and a second suction channel for fiber web formation. Each channel can be independently connected to vacuum sources, allowing different vacuum pressures to be applied to meet different process requirements while maintaining manageable system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the suction system are assigned different vacuum pressure characteristics. The first suction channel operates at one vacuum level for component collection, while the second suction channel operates at a different vacuum level for fiber web formation. This local differentiation allows each zone to be optimized for its specific function.
2Reliability
If suction tubes are made of plastic using blow molding, then manufacturing precision and blockage prevention are improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The suction tubes are made from plastic material that can be blow-molded into seamless construction. This seamless structure prevents fiber accumulation and blockages while the blow molding process provides cost-effective manufacturing compared to traditional seamless metal tube fabrication methods.
3Ease of operation
If channels are positioned below combing units, then accessibility for maintenance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The suction and collecting channels are positioned in the vertical dimension below the combing units rather than alongside them. This vertical arrangement provides easy access from below for maintenance while keeping the horizontal space above clear for combing operations, effectively using the vertical dimension to resolve the accessibility conflict.
4Adaptability or versatility
If separate vacuum sources are used for component collection and fiber web formation, then adaptability to different vacuum requirements is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum system is segmented into separate suction channels that can be independently connected to vacuum sources. This segmentation allows different vacuum pressures to be applied where needed while maintaining the option to use a single or multiple vacuum sources based on specific process requirements, balancing adaptability with system simplicity.
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 enhances the efficiency of component collection and fiber web formation by maintaining consistent negative pressure, reducing blockages, and improving accessibility for maintenance, thereby increasing productivity and ensuring a consistent soldering process.
Implementation Method 1
a first vacuum source for creating a negative pressure in the suction channel
Implementation Method 2
suction tubes of the means of the combing units that form the fiber web open into a common suction channel
Implementation Method 3
The appropriately designed suction tubes made of plastic can be manufactured by blow molding. With this known method, suction pipes can be produced which do not have an inner seam on which fibers could accumulate
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~3a
AI summary
The invention relates to a combing machine (1) having a plurality of combing units (X1 - X8) fastened to a longitudinal member (7) of a frame in a row alongside one another, said combing units (X1 - X8) each having a nipper unit (10), a combing roller (11), a detaching apparatus (12) and a driven means (16) that forms a nonwoven fabric, said driven means (16) having openings for an air passage on its revolving periphery and the interior (IR) of said driven means (16) being connected to a first negative pressure source (P1) via at least one suction pipe (18), and having in each case one extraction duct (17a), assigned to each particular combing unit, for discharging the combed-out constituents, said extraction duct (17a) leading into a common collection duct (17) which is connected to a second negative pressure source (P2). In order to ensure good accessibility to the individual combing units and the extraction devices used therefor, it is proposed that the respective suction pipes (18) of the nonwoven-fabric-forming means (16) of the combing units (X1 - X8) lead into a common suction duct (19) which is connected to the first negative pressure source (P1), wherein the suction duct (19) and the collection duct (17) extend alongside one another and in the longitudinal direction of the longitudinal member (7) and are installed beneath the combing units (X1 - X8).