Foreign Part Separator Display System for Remote Monitoring

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Foreign part separators in fiber production chains require manual monitoring of operating parameters and states, making it difficult to oversee other machines in the chain and assess foreign material separation rates from a distance.

Innovation Solution

Integration of a display section with light-emitting elements, controlled by a central monitoring device, to display operating parameters and states of the foreign part separator and connected machines, eliminating the need for separate operating terminals and allowing remote monitoring.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If individual operating terminals with displays are installed on each machine in the production chain, then operating parameters can be monitored on each machine, but it becomes impossible to monitor other machines from a distance and requires operators to physically approach each terminal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemonitoring capabilityVSAvoidremote monitoring
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a visual copy of operating parameters and machine states using light-emitting elements arranged in patterns that represent different parameters. Instead of requiring operators to view physical terminals at each machine, the system projects optical representations of machine states that can be observed from a distance, effectively copying the information display function to a remote location.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The light-emitting display elements act as an intermediary between the machines in the production chain and the operator. Rather than direct observation of machine terminals, the system uses optical signals as a medium to transmit machine status information to the operator's location, enabling indirect but effective monitoring.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If operators must physically approach each machine's operating terminal to check parameters, then detailed information can be viewed, but operators cannot monitor multiple machines simultaneously and productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparameter visibilityVSAvoidmonitoring efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The display system segments information representation into discrete light-emitting elements that can indicate different parameters independently. Each light element or group of elements represents specific operating parameters, allowing multiple parameters across multiple machines to be displayed simultaneously in a segmented visual format that maintains information clarity while enabling comprehensive monitoring.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from one-dimensional physical proximity monitoring (operator must be at the machine) to a different dimensional approach where information is projected optically into space, allowing monitoring from any position within the optical field. This dimensional change enables simultaneous monitoring of multiple machines without physical constraint.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Loss of information

If detailed operating information is displayed only at machine terminals, then complete data is available, but operators cannot assess foreign material separation rates or machine states from a distance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperating parameter visibilityVSAvoidremote detection
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs different colors of light-emitting elements to represent different operating states, parameters, and alarm conditions. By encoding information in color variations, the system conveys detailed operating information including foreign material separation rates and machine states through optical signals that can be distinguished and interpreted from a distance, making remote detection feasible and accurate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

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 operators to observe the status and performance of foreign part separators and connected machines from a distance, improving operational efficiency and reducing the need for constant manual checks.

Implementation Method 1

a plurality of lighting elements, for example with LEDs as lighting means

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight Emitting Diode: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentEP3399078B1Foreign part separator
Publication Date: 2021.06.30 TRUETZSCHLER GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3399078B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2e
  • EP3399078B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~6
  • EP3399078B1 patent drawingFigure 7a~8i

AI summary

A foreign material separator (10) has an operating section designed to detect and separate foreign material in a supplied material stream containing good fibers and foreign material, and to convey the cleaned material stream out. It has a display section (1) and a control unit, or is coupled to one. This control unit has a plurality of lighting elements. The control unit is configured to control the operating section according to predetermined operating parameters specified for the operation of the foreign material separator (10) and to control the lighting elements according to a predetermined lighting scenario such that the lighting elements display: - a state in the foreign material separator (10) and/or a machine upstream or downstream in the production chain, - evaluation results of the operation of the foreign material separator (10), and/or - an operating parameter of the foreign material separator (10).An arrangement comprises at least the foreign part separator and a spinning preparation machine with a display section. Both are arranged such that their display sections (1) are aligned in such a way that their light elements emit their light in such a way that the display sections (1) can be detected simultaneously from at least one position in relation to the machines (10).