Automatic Lap Splicing Adjusting Overlap Length for Consistent Sliver Size

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing automatic lap splicing methods for combers and ribbon lap machines face challenges in achieving optimal overlap lengths due to variations in fiber lengths and distributions between preceding and succeeding laps, leading to inconsistent sliver sizes at spliced parts.

Innovation Solution

An automatic lap splicing method that utilizes a controller and detecting sections to adjust the overlap length of the succeeding lap end onto the preceding lap end based on real-time detection of sliver sizes, ensuring proper joining by changing the parameter related to lap splicing, such as the overlap length, to maintain the sliver size within a predetermined range.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the overlap length is set based on fixed input by operator, then the splicing process is simple and fast, but the sliver size at spliced parts becomes inconsistent due to variations in fiber lengths and distributions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesplicing speedVSAvoidsliver size consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the detection section measures the actual overlap thickness after splicing, and the parameter changing section uses this information to adjust the overlap length for subsequent splicing operations. This closed-loop control ensures consistent sliver size while maintaining efficient automated splicing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent dynamically changes the overlap length parameter based on detected overlap thickness. The parameter changing section modifies the overlap length in response to detection results, allowing the system to adapt to variations in fiber characteristics and maintain consistent sliver size at spliced parts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If the overlap length is adjusted to accommodate varying fiber lengths and distributions, then the sliver size consistency improves, but the splicing process complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesliver size consistencyVSAvoidsplicing control system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The feedback mechanism automatically adjusts the overlap length based on real-time detection of overlap thickness, eliminating the need for complex manual adjustments or multiple devices. The simple feedback loop maintains precision while minimizing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-adjustment through the parameter changing section that automatically modifies overlap length based on detection results. This self-service capability eliminates the need for operator intervention or complex external control systems, maintaining simplicity while achieving consistent sliver size.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Manufacturing precision

If real-time detection of overlap thickness is implemented, then the sliver size consistency improves, but the detection and measurement difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesliver size consistencyVSAvoidoverlap thickness measurement difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical measurement systems with a detection section that uses optical or electronic sensing methods to measure overlap thickness. This substitution simplifies the detection process while maintaining high measurement accuracy for consistent sliver size control.

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

Data Source

PatentEP2918711B1Automatic lap splicing method
Publication Date: 2017.06.28 TOYOTA INDUSTRIES CORP
  • EP2918711B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2918711B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2918711B1 patent drawingFigure 5A~6B

AI summary

An automatic lap splicing apparatus for a ribbon lap machine or a comber is provided. The apparatus performs lap splicing by overlapping and joining an end (E2) of a succeeding lap and an end (E1) of a preceding lap. The apparatus includes a detecting section (46) and a parameter changing section (C). The detecting section detects an overlap thickness corresponding amount, which corresponds to a thickness of an overlapping portion of the succeeding lap and the preceding lap. The parameter changing section changes a parameter related to lap splicing in accordance with the overlap thickness corresponding amount detected by the detecting section.