Linear Can Changer for Textile Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing can changers for textile machines face challenges such as complex construction, large movement distances, inability to adjust for different can sizes, and mechanical complexity, which hinder efficient operation and adaptability.
Innovation Solution
A can changer with at least two parking spaces and a drive section that includes a can pusher, allowing for efficient movement and filling of cans, with sensor systems to manage can presence and filling status, enabling operation with various can diameters and reducing mechanical complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If rotary can changers with three arms are used, then cans can be automatically exchanged, but the design becomes structurally complex with guide tracks for both full and empty cans
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex guide track system from the can changer design. Instead of using rotary mechanisms with three arms and separate guide tracks for full and empty cans, the invention uses a simplified linear pusher mechanism that moves cans directly along a single path, removing unnecessary structural complexity while maintaining automatic exchange functionality
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a rotary mechanism that rotates arms around a center point, the patent inverts the approach by using a linear pusher that moves back and forth along a straight path. This inversion simplifies the mechanism from rotational to linear motion, eliminating the need for complex guide tracks and reducing overall structural complexity
2Ease of operation
If linear can changers are used for large cans, then cans can be moved along the production direction, but a very large travel distance is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediate holding position arranged perpendicular to the main production direction, creating a two-dimensional movement pattern. Instead of moving cans in a long linear path parallel to production direction, the pusher moves cans to an intermediate position and then to the filling station, significantly reducing the travel distance required while maintaining ease of operation
3Productivity
If linear can changers are designed for specific can sizes, then large cans can be moved efficiently, but the system cannot be adjusted for smaller cans
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the can pusher dynamically adjustable by providing height adjustment capability. The pusher can be positioned at different heights to accommodate cans of varying diameters, transforming a fixed system into an adaptable one. This dynamic adjustment allows the same mechanism to efficiently handle both large and smaller cans without requiring redesign
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal can pusher design that can handle multiple can sizes through height adjustment. The single pusher mechanism serves multiple functions by adapting its position, eliminating the need for separate pushers for different can diameters and enhancing the system's versatility while maintaining efficient movement
4Extent of automation
If can changers with discharge head moving back and forth are used, then cans can be exchanged, but the design becomes mechanically complex and is not applicable to machines with integrated filling stations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the can pusher function with the integrated filling station by positioning the pusher to work in conjunction with the stationary discharge head. Instead of having a separate moving discharge head, the system combines the pusher's linear movement with the fixed filling station, simplifying the mechanical design while maintaining automatic can exchange functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the system to serve itself by having the can pusher automatically perform both the can exchange and the filling operations through its linear back-and-forth movement. The pusher delivers cans to the stationary discharge head for filling, then returns to pick up the next can, creating a self-service cycle that eliminates complex mechanical mechanisms
Data Source
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Figure 3a
AI summary
An operating method for a can changer (20) with a storage position (10), intermediate storage position (11), can filling position (12), and drive section (21, 22) is disclosed. The drive section (21, 22) has a drive unit (21) and a can slide (22). When actuated, the drive unit (21) moves the can slide (22) so that a can (5) is moved from the storage position (10) either to the intermediate storage position (11) or to the can filling position (12). The method comprises a can change process with a first subprocess, executed when only one can (5) is in a storage position, in which the drive unit (21) is actuated so that the can slide (22) is moved in one direction (V) and moves the can (5) to the can filling position (12). Then, the can slide (22) moves back.If cans (5) are positioned at both storage locations (10, 11), the drive unit (21) is actuated in a second sub-process, causing the can pusher (22) to move the can (5) at storage location (10) to the intermediate storage location (11) and the can (5) at intermediate storage location (11) to the can filling location (12). The return movement then occurs. The can changer (20) has a can filling section (7, 8) and a can exchange section (20) configured to fill a can (4) at the can filling location (12), and includes the drive section (21, 22). A processing section of a textile machine (1) is configured to process fiber material and is coupled to the can changer (20) on the output side.