Movable Discharge Head for Can Filling Changeover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing can changing systems for filling round cans face challenges such as slow changeover times, potential damage to cans due to high forces, and fluctuations in delivery speed, which affect the end product quality and increase production costs.
Innovation Solution
A device where the depositing head is moved from a full can to an empty can, reducing the number of can positions from three to two, allowing for high acceleration and thus shorter changeover times, and eliminating the need to move the round cans, which reduces space requirements and enables easier adaptation to varying can sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the round cans are moved beneath the stationary discharge head for can changes, then the can positions are stable, but the changeover time increases and the cans may be damaged due to their weight
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of moving the cans beneath a stationary discharge head as in conventional systems, the patent inverts the approach by making the discharge head movable and the cans stationary. The discharge head can quickly move between different can positions without requiring the heavy cans to be accelerated and decelerated, thus reducing changeover time while maintaining can stability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of moving heavy cans with a more flexible system where the discharge head moves on guidance rails. This substitution allows for faster repositioning since the moving mass is significantly reduced, eliminating the time loss associated with accelerating and decelerating heavy cans
2Reliability
If the feed rate is reduced during can changes, then the cans can be changed safely, but the card production decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous operation during can changes by allowing the card to continue running at full speed. The movable discharge head can quickly reposition between cans without interrupting the fiber feed, eliminating the need to reduce feed rate and maintaining continuous productive action throughout the can change process
3Loss of time
If the discharge head is moved laterally from full to empty can, then the can change is quick, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces guidance rails as an intermediary element that enables the discharge head to move laterally between cans in a controlled manner. These rails provide the necessary support and direction for the movable discharge head, allowing quick repositioning without requiring complex mechanical structures or multiple actuators
4Volume of moving object
If the space between cards is increased to accommodate larger cans, then the card diameter can be increased, but the production efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of increasing the space between cards to accommodate larger cans, the patent inverts the approach by making the discharge head movable. This allows larger cans to be used without increasing card spacing, as the discharge head can reach different can positions within the existing space constraints, thereby maintaining production efficiency
Data Source
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Figure 5a~5e
AI summary
In a device on a carder (K) for filling a round can (15) with sliver (14), e.g. cotton, man-made fibers or the like, the sliver (14) can be dispensed and be placed in the round can (15) in the form of rings by a rotatable delivery head (19). In order to prevent the round cans (15) from moving when cans are replaced, i.e. when the local association between the rotary table (21) and a full can and an empty can is changed, and be able to shorten, in a simple manner, the time required to replace cans, the delivery head (19) can be displaced relative to the round cans (15), and to replace cans, the delivery head (19) is displaced from a full can filled with sliver to an empty can.