Double Loop Connecting Element for Uniform Fiber Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for feeding fiber tufts into a feed chute often result in uneven distribution, leading to holes or irregularities in the fiber tuft mat, despite various approaches to achieve uniformity.
Innovation Solution
A device with a connecting element that divides the air flow into two partial flows and guides them into the feed chute from opposite sides, utilizing a double loop design with U-shaped feed channels and air guiding elements to ensure even distribution, and a self-regulating system that adjusts based on parameters like pressure and speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If fiber tufts are transported in a high density air stream, then transport efficiency is improved, but distribution uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The air stream is divided into two partial flows that travel through separate S-shaped channels in opposite directions, allowing the fiber tufts to be distributed more uniformly across the feed chute width while maintaining high transport density
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting element uses a three-dimensional S-shaped path with vertical and horizontal components to redistribute fiber tufts across the width dimension while maintaining forward transport, transforming a one-dimensional transport problem into a multi-dimensional distribution solution
2Manufacturing precision
If a diffuser-like eddy current chamber is used to equalize distribution, then distribution uniformity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses pneumatic principles by utilizing air streams as the primary mechanism for both transport and distribution, eliminating the need for mechanical eddy current chambers or complex mechanical distribution devices
Solution Approach 2:
The single complex eddy current chamber is replaced by two simpler S-shaped channels that divide and guide air streams separately, reducing overall device complexity while achieving the same distribution equalization function
3Manufacturing precision
If centrifugal wheels with deflection walls are used to achieve uniform flake column, then distribution uniformity is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces mechanical centrifugal wheels with pneumatic air streams that naturally distribute fiber tufts through pressure gradients and flow dynamics, eliminating complex mechanical rotating components and deflection walls
Solution Approach 2:
Mechanical centrifugal force generation is replaced by pneumatic flow dynamics, substituting a mechanical system with a fluid-based system that achieves the same distribution effect with simpler components
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
The solution achieves a more uniform distribution of fiber tufts across the feed chute, minimizing holes and irregularities, and operates as a self-regulating system to maintain optimal fiber tuft placement.
Implementation Method 1
fiber tufts guided in an air stream in the transport line
Implementation Method 2
divides the air flow guided in the transport line into two partial flows and guides them into the feed duct from two opposite sides
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~7
AI summary
The device has a connecting element arranged between a transport pipe and a feed shaft (2), and serves for uniform distribution of fiber flocks over a width of the feed shaft, where the fiber flocks are guided into the transport pipe in airflow. The connecting element partitions the airflow that is guided into the transport pipe into two partial flows and directs the partial flows into the feed shaft from two opposite sides. The connecting element is formed as a double loop with two supply ducts (14) arranged symmetrically to each other. An independent claim is also included for a method for feeding a fiber flock into a feed shaft.