Scrap Weight Measurement in Fiber Processing Lines

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current fiber processing lines for spinning preparation lack an effective method to quantify scrap weight, particularly during initial opening and cleaning steps, which hinders optimization of production based on raw material supply variations.

Innovation Solution

A measuring device is integrated into the fiber processing line, featuring a scrap conduit with a picking portion and restoration means to intercept and separate scrap from the air stream, using collection and filtering mechanisms to collect and weigh the scrap, and a movable drawer with actuation means to facilitate operation stages for continuous functionality and measurement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a measuring device is integrated into the fiber processing line to intercept and collect scrap, then measurement precision of scrap weight is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for movable drawers, actuation means, and restoration mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescrap weight measurementVSAvoidmeasuring device structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs movable drawers that can transition between retracted and extended positions to intercept scrap. The dynamic positioning of collection chambers allows the system to adapt to different scrap flow conditions while maintaining measurement accuracy, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The measuring device operates in periodic cycles: the drawer remains retracted during normal operation, then extends to collect scrap, followed by a measurement phase, and finally retracts to restore continuity. This periodic action allows accurate measurement while minimizing interference with continuous production, addressing the complexity-precision trade-off.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Ease of operation

If a movable drawer with actuation means is used to intercept scrap, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional mechanical components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescrap collection operationVSAvoidactuation mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The drawer system is designed to operate automatically based on detected scrap presence. The actuation means responds to scrap detection signals, extending the drawer to collect scrap and then retracting it automatically. This self-service operation simplifies the user interface while the automated control system manages the mechanical complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If restoration means are implemented to ensure functional continuity, then reliability of continuous operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional restoration mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontinuous operationVSAvoidrestoration mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The restoration means are pre-positioned within the drawer assembly, ready to immediately restore functional continuity when the drawer retracts. This preliminary positioning ensures that the air stream continuity is restored without delay, maintaining reliable continuous operation while the integrated design keeps the added complexity manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Enables accurate quantification of scrap weight, allowing for optimized production planning by correlating scrap data with raw material origin and processing flow rates, and provides real-time or remote weight measurement for improved production forecasting.

Implementation Method 1

a mixer opener (1), for example located upstream of carding machines (2), to which the fiber is sent via a feeding apparatus (4), for example comprising a dust collector (6) and a motor fan (8). The mixing opener (1) comprises a main conduit (10) for the transport of the processed fibers in the opener itself, transported in an air stream, and at least one scrap conduit (12) for the transport of the processing scrap in an air stream.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAir stream transport: Entrainment

Implementation Method 2

said collection means (30) comprise filtering means (32) for air passage, for example comprising a filter or a grid, suitable for intercepting the air stream with scrap and for retaining a quantity Q of scrap, while the air stream d is allowed to pass.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Data Source

PatentEP3966374B1Device for measuring the weight of waste in a fiber processing line for spinning preparation
Publication Date: 2023.07.19 MARZOLI MASCH TEXTILE SRL
  • EP3966374B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3966374B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3966374B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

A measuring device (20) for a fiber processing line for spinning preparation comprising a scrap conduit (12), restoration means, collection means (30) and a measuring unit (50) suitable for measuring the weight of the scrap (Q), cooperating, in a measurement configuration of the measuring device, with the collection means (30) for receiving the collected scrap (Q).