Fiber Loading Control Loop for Pneumatic Feeding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for regulating material flow in fiber processing plants require manual intervention and are prone to fluctuations due to variations in material properties and production conditions, leading to inconsistent product quality and potential production failures.

Innovation Solution

A control loop system that measures actual pressure values and mass flow, using a control algorithm to automatically adjust the fiber feed, compensating for variations and learning to maintain optimal operating conditions without manual intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If manual setup and adjustment of control parameters is used, then the system can be operated with simple equipment, but the consistency and uniformity of material feeding deteriorates due to human error and continuous adjustments needed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuniformity of fillingVSAvoidmanual adjustment requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a closed-loop feedback control system where the actual filling results are measured and compared with target values, and the control parameters are automatically adjusted based on the deviation. This eliminates manual adjustments while maintaining high uniformity of filling through continuous automatic correction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The control system performs self-adjustment by automatically modifying its own control parameters based on feedback from the filling process. The system serves itself by detecting deviations and correcting them without human intervention, thereby achieving both high precision and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If manual control parameter selection is used, then the device complexity remains low, but the productivity deteriorates due to production downtime from continuous adjustments

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction continuityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The feedback control system continuously monitors filling uniformity and automatically adjusts parameters to maintain optimal performance. This eliminates production downtime caused by manual adjustments while the automated nature of the control reduces the perceived complexity for the operator.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with an automated electronic control system that uses sensors, processors, and actuators. This substitution increases productivity by eliminating human intervention delays while the automation simplifies the operator's role despite increased system complexity.

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

3Adaptability or versatility

If fixed control parameters are used, then the ease of operation is high, but the adaptability deteriorates when material properties or production conditions change

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresponse to material variationsVSAvoidoperational simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The feedback control system automatically detects changes in material properties or production conditions through monitoring filling results, and adjusts control parameters accordingly. This maintains high adaptability to variations while keeping operational simplicity intact as no manual intervention is required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The control system transitions from static fixed parameters to dynamic adaptive parameters that automatically adjust in response to changing conditions. This enables the system to adapt to material variations and production changes while maintaining ease of operation through automation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Ensures consistent and automated regulation of material flow, reducing the need for manual adjustments and minimizing production downtime, thereby maintaining consistent product quality and optimizing production efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a pneumatic feeding system, which directs the fibers into the storage of at least one fiber processing machine

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPneumatic conveying: Two-Phase Flow

Implementation Method 2

a pressure sensor (8) is mounted in a wall of the supply and distribution line (5) and is connected to a transducer (9)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure measurement: Pressure Drop

Implementation Method 3

A control unit uses the differential pressure over time to generate a corrected actual pressure value

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTime differentiation: Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3230501B1Method and device for loading an installation with fibres
Publication Date: 2022.03.02 TRUETZSCHLER GRP SE
  • EP3230501B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3230501B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3230501B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method and a device for loading an installation with fibres, said installation being fed with fibre tufts, the latter being at least partially opened and fed to a pneumatic loading installation by means of a feeding device, said pneumatic loading installation guiding the fibres into the store of at least one fibre-processing machine, in particular a carding machine, separator or cleaner. The invention is characterized in that, by means of a control loop, into which the current pressure values, which are measured in the pneumatic loading installation, enter in a further-processed manner, and into which the mass flow of the further-processed fibres, which is measured at at least one fibre-processing machine, enters in a further-processed manner, the optimum operating point of the installation is determined by means of a control algorithm and a signal is sent to an actuator of the feeding device in order to control the quantity of fibre tufts.