Load Cell Filling Level Measurement in Fiber Flock Stores
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring the filling level in spinning preparation machines are prone to interference from the design and operation of the filling or emptying process, product properties, and pressure fluctuations, leading to inaccurate and discontinuous measurements.
Innovation Solution
The use of at least two load cells positioned between support points on the machine frame, which measure the change in weight proportional to the filling level, eliminating soiling and pressure-related issues, and ensuring continuous, interference-free determination of the filling level.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If pressure sensors are used for filling level measurement, then the measurement can be performed inside the flock stream, but the measurements are affected by surroundings and subject to severe fluctuations due to low pressures
Solution Approach 1:
The measuring device is extracted from the flock stream environment and mounted on the machine frame outside the store. This removes the sensor from the harmful low-pressure fluctuating environment while still allowing measurement of the filling level through weight changes of the machine frame, thereby resolving the contradiction between measurement capability and measurement stability.
2Measurement precision
If sensors are installed in the flock stream for filling level detection, then continuous measurement is possible, but a high level of soiling of the sensors occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The measuring device is taken out of the flock stream and installed on the machine frame. This extraction eliminates direct contact between the sensor and fiber flocks, preventing soiling while maintaining continuous filling level detection capability through indirect weight measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The machine frame serves as an intermediary between the flock stream and the measuring device. The load cells measure weight changes of the frame caused by filling level changes, allowing indirect measurement without placing sensors in the harmful environment.
3Measurement precision
If photoelectric barriers or optical devices are used for filling level measurement, then continuous measurement is possible, but the measurement depends on specific properties of the fiber flocks
Solution Approach 1:
The optical measurement system is replaced with a mechanical weight measurement system using load cells. This substitution measures the physical weight of the machine frame, which is independent of fiber flock optical properties, thereby eliminating dependency on specific fiber properties while maintaining continuous measurement capability.
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
This approach allows for continuous, accurate, and interference-free filling level measurement, independent of the product properties and operation-related pressure fluctuations, enabling reliable monitoring of fiber flock levels in spinning preparation machines.
Implementation Method 1
At least two load cells (23, 24) are situated between two support points (17-20) in such a way that a connecting line (25) of the load cells (23, 24) is transverse to the travel axis (22).
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
Figure 6~7
AI summary
The invention relates to a machine (3, 5) in a spinning preparation for processing fiber flocks (26), having a fiber flock inlet (14), a store (13), a fiber flock outlet (15), and a machine frame (16), wherein the machine frame (16) is mounted on at least four support points (17, 18, 19, 20) on a foundation (21), and a travel axis (22) is defined by a connecting line from the fiber flock inlet (14) to the fiber flock outlet (15). At least one load cell (23) for measuring a filling level (32) of the store (13) is provided between the machine frame (16) and the foundation (21).