Feeding Device with Elastic Lip for Foreign Body Detection

The patent merges metal detection and non-metallic foreign body detection into a single integrated system. The electrical circuit detection method is combined with an elastic lip mechanism that can detect both metallic objects (through circuit closure) and non-metallic objects (through mechanical contact when the lip is deformed), thereby resolving the contradiction between device simplicity and detection versatility.

The elastic lip serves multiple functions: it guides fiber flakes, detects metallic foreign bodies through circuit closure when contacting the feed roller, and detects non-metallic foreign bodies through mechanical deformation and contact with the support bar. This multi-functionality allows a single component to address both detection needs without requiring separate dedicated devices.

The patent extracts the detection function from separate mechanical rollers and integrates it into the existing feed device components. The feed roller and feed trough, which are already necessary for fiber feeding, are equipped with detection capabilities through the electrical circuit and elastic lip mechanism, eliminating the need for additional detection rollers that would impede fiber flow.

The feed roller and feed trough perform dual functions: they feed the fiber flakes (original function) and detect foreign bodies (added function). The elastic lip similarly serves both as a fiber guide and as a detection mechanism, allowing the same components to handle both feeding and detection without requiring separate dedicated parts that would complicate the system.