Spinning Machine Compaction Device Suction Air Display

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing compression devices in spinning machines lack a method to verify the functionality of suction air application, making it difficult to detect a lack of suction air without checking the compressed sliver.

Innovation Solution

A device with a suction air channel divided into two sections, where the first section is connected to the compression element and the second section to a vacuum source, includes an independent display channel with a movable display element that indicates suction air presence or absence by positioning changes within the channel.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a compression device with suction air duct is used to compact fiber sliver, then the fiber material can be compressed effectively, but the functionality of suction air application cannot be checked and lack of suction air cannot be detected without checking the compressed fiber band

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesuction air functionalityVSAvoidsuction air application status
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

A display element is introduced as an intermediary substance in a display channel that visually indicates the suction air status. The display element moves or changes position based on the presence or absence of suction air pressure, providing an indirect but clear indication of the suction air's functional state without requiring direct inspection of the compressed fiber band.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The display element undergoes visible changes (such as position changes, color changes, or transparency changes) in response to suction air pressure variations. These visual changes provide an intuitive and immediate indication of whether the suction air is functioning correctly, eliminating the need for complex inspection procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

2Reliability

If suction air is continuously supplied to the compression element, then the compression function is maintained, but energy is wasted due to constant air flow

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompression functionVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The display element provides real-time feedback on the suction air status to the operator. When the suction air is not functioning correctly, the display element indicates this state, allowing the operator to adjust or shut off the suction air supply, thereby preventing energy waste while maintaining compression functionality when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows the operator to monitor the suction air status independently through the display element, enabling self-diagnosis and self-adjustment of the compression device without requiring continuous external intervention or energy consumption for monitoring systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If a display channel with movable display element is added to indicate suction air status, then fault detection is enabled, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesuction air status detectionVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The display channel and display element serve multiple functions: they indicate suction air status, provide fault detection, and can also serve as a visual guide for operator intervention. This multi-functionality justifies the added structural element by consolidating multiple monitoring needs into a single simple component.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The display element is designed as a simple, inexpensive component that can be easily replaced if needed. Its simplicity and low cost offset the increased device complexity, making the added monitoring capability economically viable and practically implementable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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

Enables visual indication of suction air functionality, allowing for timely maintenance or replacement of compression devices, reducing energy consumption by minimizing constant air flow and facilitating fault detection.

Implementation Method 1

a negative pressure is applied, thereby generating a corresponding air flow at the periphery of the respective compacting element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNegative pressure (vacuum): Vacuum

Implementation Method 2

the suction air is supplied to the compression element via a suction air duct

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Implementation Method 3

a display element which is freely movable over the length of the display duct is provided in the display duct

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure gradient: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentEP4180558B1A compaction device on a spinning machine
Publication Date: 2024.08.28 RIETER CZ AS
  • EP4180558B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4180558B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for compacting a fiber strip (1) on a spinning machine with a rotating compaction element (2) supplied with suction air and held on a housing (3), wherein the suction air is supplied to the compaction element (2) via a suction air duct (4) provided in the housing (3) with a first section (5) and a second section (6), wherein the first section (5) of the suction air duct (4) is bounded by the compaction element (2) and a connection of the first section (5) to a vacuum source (7) is provided via the second section (6) of the suction air duct (4), characterized in that an air duct (8) independent of the suction air duct (2) is provided with a first duct part (9), a display duct (10) and a second duct part (11),wherein the display channel (10) is arranged between the first channel part (9) and the second channel part (11) and is at least partially transparent and wherein the first channel part (9) is connected to the first section (5) of the suction air duct (4) and wherein the second channel part (11) is connected to the environment via an opening (12) in the housing (3) and wherein a display element (14) is provided in the display channel (10) which is freely movable over the length (13) of the display channel (10),