Automatic Fiber Sampling Device with Constriction Separation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for automatically removing and transferring individual fibers from a fiber sample to a testing device are time-consuming and labor-intensive, often requiring manual separation and limited magazine capacity, which restricts the duration of fully automatic testing processes.

Innovation Solution

A device with a sample container, a gripping device, and a fiber separation system that removes individual fibers from a fiber bundle, stretches them, and transfers them to a transport device for further processing, enabling fully automatic and uninterrupted sampling over long periods without manual magazine filling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual separation and transfer of individual fibers is performed, then fiber testing can be conducted, but the process is time-consuming and labor-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetesting speedVSAvoidtime for fiber separation
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The fiber separation device automatically separates individual fibers from the fiber bundle using a constriction mechanism that pulls fibers through a narrow opening, eliminating the need for manual separation by operators. The system serves itself by automatically feeding separated fibers to the testing device without human intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of fiber separation with an automated mechanical system consisting of a constriction device with adjustable opening size. This mechanical substitution enables continuous automatic operation, significantly increasing productivity while reducing time loss.

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

2Duration of action of stationary object

If magazines with limited capacity are used for fiber storage, then fiber samples can be stored, but the duration of fully automatic testing is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveduration of automatic testingVSAvoidmagazine capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The fiber bundle is prepared and placed in the magazine in advance as a complete unit rather than pre-separating individual fibers. This preliminary action of storing bundles instead of individual fibers increases the effective capacity and allows testing to continue for longer durations without frequent refilling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The fiber bundle is segmented into individual fibers during the testing process itself rather than before storage. This segmentation occurs automatically through the constriction device, allowing the magazine to hold larger quantities of fibers in bundle form while still enabling individual fiber testing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If complex preparation procedures are used for individual fibers, then fiber testing can be performed, but the process becomes labor-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of fiber preparationVSAvoidcomplexity of preparation procedure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The constriction device changes the physical parameter of fiber arrangement by pulling fibers through a narrow opening, transforming them from a tangled bundle into separated, aligned individual fibers. This parameter change simplifies the preparation process while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The device extracts individual fibers from the fiber bundle through the constriction opening, removing them in a simplified manner that eliminates complex preparation steps. This extraction process is straightforward and maintains ease of operation while reducing procedural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP2977740B1Device and method for automatic sampling of individual fibres from a fibre reservoir and for the transfer of an individual fibre to a subsequent device
Publication Date: 2018.05.30 TEXTECHNO HERBERT STEIN GMBH & CO KG
  • EP2977740B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2977740B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2977740B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

In a device (1) for automatically extracting individual fibers (10) from a fiber sample (6) from a fiber storage container (8) and for transferring the individual fiber (10) to a subsequent device (12), comprising a control unit (16) and a transport device (14) for the individual fibers (10), it is provided that the fiber storage container (8) has at least one sample container (4) in which the fiber sample (6) is contained in the form of fiber bundles, that a extraction device (18) extracts one or more individual fibers (10) from a fiber bundle of the fiber sample (6) contained in a sample container (4) and separates the extracted individual fibers (10), and that the transport device (14) takes the separated individual fiber (10) from the extraction device (18) for further transfer of the individual fiber (10) to the subsequent device (12).