Air-Jet Spinning Additive Dosing for Deposit Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing air jet spinning machines face challenges in maintaining consistent yarn quality due to deposits on the yarn-forming and spinneret surfaces, which require frequent manual cleaning and are not effectively addressed by existing automatic cleaning systems that rely on additional compressed air supplies and complex dosing mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

A novel spinning position with a means for independently supplying an additive between the delivery rollers and the fiber guide element, utilizing a transport line and hollow needle or bore to introduce the additive into the fiber structure, allowing for precise dosing and cleaning of the yarn-forming and spinneret surfaces without relying on ambient pressure, enabling efficient cleaning and property enhancement of the yarn.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If manual cleaning of the yarn-forming element is performed periodically, then the yarn quality can be maintained, but machine downtime and maintenance workload increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveyarn qualityVSAvoidmachine downtime
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses the existing compressed air flow to automatically clean the yarn-forming element without requiring separate cleaning equipment or machine downtime. The cleaning action is performed self-service style using the operational air flow already present in the spinneret.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The cleaning process occurs continuously during operation rather than requiring periodic stops. The compressed air flow that is already present during yarn formation is utilized to remove deposits in real-time, maintaining continuous productive operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

2Manufacturing precision

If automatic cleaning with additional compressed air supply is implemented, then cleaning effectiveness improves, but device complexity and operational costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurface cleanlinessVSAvoidcleaning system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The existing compressed air supply that is already used for yarn formation is given a dual function - it serves both to create the turbulent air flow for spinning and to clean the yarn-forming element surfaces. This eliminates the need for separate cleaning air supplies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the operational compressed air flow to automatically clean the yarn-forming element without requiring separate cleaning equipment or machine downtime. The cleaning action is performed self-service style using the operational air flow already present in the spinneret.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If additives are added to compressed air for cleaning, then cleaning capability is achieved, but dosing complexity and pressure regulation requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning functionalityVSAvoiddosing system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The additive is introduced into the fiber structure before it enters the spinneret, allowing the cleaning agent to be deposited on the yarn-forming element surfaces as the fiber bundle passes through. This preliminary addition simplifies the dosing mechanism compared to injecting into the compressed air stream.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The fiber structure acts as an intermediary carrier for the additive. Instead of directly injecting the additive into the compressed air stream, the additive is applied to the fiber bundle which then transports it to the yarn-forming element, simplifying the dosing system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 solution allows for independent and precise addition of additives to each spinning position, improving yarn quality by reducing deposits and maintaining consistent production, while simplifying the dosing process and reducing maintenance needs, thus enhancing operational efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

A means (12) for supplying an additive (11) to the fiber structure (2) is provided between the pair of delivery rollers (4) and the end (10) of the fiber guide element (8)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Implementation Method 2

At the tip of the yarn-forming element, compressed air is introduced through the housing wall of the spinneret in such a way that a rotating turbulent air flow results

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTurbulence: Turbulence

Implementation Method 3

As a result of the movement of the individual fibers over the surface of the yarn-forming element, deposits form on the yarn-forming element due to the buildup on the fibers from the manufacturing process

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentEP2767624B1Spinning unit of an air-jet spinning machine
Publication Date: 2016.12.14 MASCHINENFABRIK RIETER AG
  • EP2767624B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2767624B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2767624B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The unit (1) has a fiber guide element (8) including a beginning (9) turned towards a pair of delivery rollers (4) and an end (10) turned away from the pair of delivery rollers, where fiber composite (2) is fed to a spinning nozzle (5) with the pair of delivery rollers and is introduced into the spinning nozzle through the fiber guide element. A yarn (3) is formed from the fiber composite through a yarn formation element (7). A feeding tool (12) feeds additive (11) to the fiber composite, and is provided between the pair of delivery rollers and the end of the fiber guide element. The additive is a chemical additive such as liquid additive.