Automatic Fibre Bundle Separation with Needle Bars
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing manual methods for separating bundles of fibres in the bast fibre industry are time-consuming, prone to fibre tangling, and require skilled operators, resulting in irregular final products.
Innovation Solution
A device with a separation unit comprising two needle bars, a holding needle bar, and a moving needle bar with central and side needles, which automatically separates fibres by keeping them in place and preventing tangling, while also incorporating a weighing balance unit for precise weight control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual separation of fibre bundles is performed by trained operators, then the fibres can be separated into bundles, but the process takes a long time and the final product is irregular
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical separation with an automated mechanical system consisting of needle bars, needles, and clamping devices that automatically separate fibre bundles without human intervention, thereby increasing productivity while maintaining consistent bundle dimensions through precise mechanical control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces precise control parameters including needle spacing, clamping force, and separation distance to ensure consistent bundle dimensions and weight, transforming the irregular manual process into a controlled automated process with repeatable results
2Ease of operation
If manual separation and weighing of fibre bundles is performed, then the bundles can be prepared for machines, but skilled operators are required and the process is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The automated system performs separation, clamping, and weighing operations autonomously without requiring skilled operators, with the machine itself executing all separation tasks and automatically determining bundle weights through integrated weighing mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual operator actions with automated mechanical systems including needle bars for separation, clamping devices for securing bundles, and weighing mechanisms for weight determination, eliminating the need for skilled manual labor while reducing processing time
3Productivity
If a dividing device penetrates into fibres to separate bundles, then the fibres can be divided into pieces, but the fibres become tangled without needle bars to keep them in place
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces needle bars with multiple needles as intermediary elements that penetrate the fibre nap and engage individual fibres during separation, preventing fibres from tangling while enabling automated division of bundles into consistent pieces
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies needles at specific locations and angles within the fibre nap to locally engage and control fibre movement during separation, ensuring that fibres remain organized and do not tangle while being divided into uniform bundles
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
The invention is related to the device, the system and the method for the automatic separation of a bundle of fibres. The device for automatic separation comprises a separation unit, which is configured to separate the bundle of fibres in an automatic way. The separation unit comprises two needle bars, which are a holding needle bar with a holding needle and a moving needle bar with a central needle and two side needles. The central needle of the moving needle bar has the grooves for joining the needles in it. This invention is applicable in all bast fibre industry, especially used for long fibre (+ 20 cm) such as flax fibres, hemp fibres, sisal fibres, kenaf fibres, jute fibres.