Sliver End Feeding Robot with Multi-Element Suction Gripper
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spinning machine systems face challenges in reliably feeding the end of a sliver from a can to a spinning station, particularly when the sliver end is not positioned correctly, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs due to the need for specialized equipment and alignment requirements.
Innovation Solution
A method and system where a robot with a band gripper searches for and grasps the sliver end in the area of adjacent spinning stations, allowing it to be fed to the intended spinning station, utilizing a feed roller to ensure continuous spinning, and is designed to move along the spinning machine for efficient maintenance and can replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a wide suction pipe mouth is used to grasp the sliver end, then the grasping area is increased, but the reliability of finding the sliver end decreases when it is not positioned correctly at the workstation
Solution Approach 1:
The suction pipe mouth is divided into multiple individual suction elements arranged in a row. Each suction element can independently grasp the sliver end, and the control unit activates specific suction elements based on the detected position of the sliver end, ensuring reliable grasping while maintaining a wide coverage area.
2Reliability
If long cans are used to limit the area where the sliver end can be located, then the reliability of finding the sliver end is improved, but the purchase cost and machine complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses standard round cans compatible with existing spinning machines, eliminating the need for specialized long cans. The multi-element suction pipe mouth provides universal applicability across different can types and positions, maintaining reliability without increasing hardware complexity or cost.
3Reliability
If each can is equipped with a clamp to fix the sliver end at a defined position, then the reliability of finding the sliver end is improved, but the device complexity and alignment requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The function of fixing the sliver end position is extracted from the can structure and transferred to the suction pipe mouth system. The control unit determines the optimal activation of suction elements based on the sliver end position, eliminating the need for clamps and complex alignment mechanisms while maintaining reliable grasping.
4Ease of operation
If the robot searches for the sliver end only at the spinning station to be fed, then the operation is simplified, but the reliability of finding the sliver end decreases when it is located at adjacent stations
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the search area based on the detected position of the sliver end. The control unit identifies whether the sliver end is located at the current spinning station or an adjacent one and activates the appropriate suction elements accordingly, maintaining operational simplicity while ensuring reliable finding of the sliver end regardless of its exact position.
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 ensures reliable grasping and feeding of the sliver end, reducing downtime and costs by allowing the robot to find and feed the sliver end in a larger area than its reach, and enabling precise positioning for maintenance activities, thus enhancing the spinning process efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The suction tube has a flattened suction tube mouth, with which a sliver end hanging over a can can be sucked over a relatively wide area.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for feeding a strip end (2) of a fiber strip (8) placed in a can (9) to a spinning station (3) of a spinning machine (1), wherein the spinning machine (1) has a plurality of spinning stations (3) arranged side by side with cans (9) arranged below them in at least one row, and wherein a robot (12) with a strip gripper (14) grasps the strip end (2) and feeds it to a spinning station (3a). According to the invention, the strip end (2) is located in a region of at least one of the adjacent spinning stations (3b) of the spinning station (3a), preferably in region (Ba) of the spinning station (3a) and at least one of the spinning stations (3b) adjacent to this spinning station (3a), picked up by the strip gripper (14), and then fed to the spinning station (3a).In a corresponding spinning machine, the belt gripper (14) is designed and/or arranged on the robot (12) in such a way that it can pick up the belt end (2) in an area (Bb) of at least one spinning station (3b) which is adjacent to the spinning station (3a) to be supplied, preferably in the area (Ba, Bb) of the spinning station (3a) to be supplied and at least one of the spinning stations (3b) adjacent to this spinning station (3a), and then supply it to the spinning station (3a) to be supplied.