Spinning Line Mixer With Toothed Rollers For Wet Fiber Processing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing textile machinery struggles to process wet or damp fibers, which are compact and have different physical and mechanical properties than conventional fibers, requiring a mixer that can maintain homogeneity, compaction, and dust removal while operating at high production speeds.

Innovation Solution

A mixer design featuring vertically extending mixing chambers with intermediate and outlet rollers, including flap and toothed configurations, that effectively interrupts and mixes fiber flow, preventing compaction and facilitating the processing of wet or damp fibers by creating empty areas and using counter-rotating rollers to manage fiber distribution and opening.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional mixers are used for wet or damp fibers, then fiber processing is possible, but the fibers become compacted and lose homogeneity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecapability to process wet or damp fibersVSAvoidfiber homogeneity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs dynamic elements including adjustable mixing chamber volume, variable roller speeds, and controllable flap positions that adapt to different fiber conditions. The mixing system transitions from static to dynamic operation, allowing the mixer to maintain effectiveness across varying fiber moisture contents and densities without compromising homogeneity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes key operating parameters including mixing chamber volume, roller rotation speeds, and flap positioning angles to optimize performance for wet or damp fibers. By adjusting these parameters, the system prevents excessive compaction while maintaining fiber homogeneity, resolving the contradiction between processing capability and composition stability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Stability of the object's composition

If mixing intensity is increased to maintain homogeneity, then fiber mixing improves, but production speed decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefiber homogeneityVSAvoidproduction speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The mixing process is segmented into multiple stages with different intensity levels. The mixing chamber is divided into zones with varying roller configurations and flap positions, allowing gentle mixing in some areas and intensive mixing in others. This segmentation maintains homogeneity while avoiding excessive processing time that would reduce production speed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mixing system employs periodic action through oscillating flaps and intermittently rotating rollers. This periodic motion creates effective mixing cycles followed by brief transition periods, maintaining fiber homogeneity while enabling continuous operation at high production speeds without constant high-intensity mixing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Quantity of substance

If compaction is increased to improve fiber density, then fiber handling improves, but dust removal efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefiber densityVSAvoiddust accumulation
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces intermediary elements including flaps and air streams that mediate between compaction and dust removal. These intermediaries create controlled separation zones where dust can be extracted without disrupting the compaction process, allowing both fiber density improvement and effective dust removal to occur simultaneously

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

The mixer effectively processes wet or damp fibers by breaking lumps, preventing compaction, and ensuring efficient fiber mixing and cleaning, thereby meeting the requirements of the textile industry for high-speed processing without compromising downstream productivity.

Implementation Method 1

The mixer receives the staple fiber from the coarse opener via an inlet duct, from which the staple fiber is sent to a feed duct, which extends mainly vertically, by the action of a motor fan of the mixer.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAir flow: Convection

Implementation Method 2

The intermediate roller 30 is rotationally operable about said intermediate roller rotation axis Z and is arranged inside the respective mixing chamber 20

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical disruption: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 3

it also performs an initial compaction of the staple fibers and contributes to a further cleaning of the fibers through a dust removal action

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDust removal: Cyclone Separation

Data Source

PatentEP4428277A1Mixer of a spinning line
Publication Date: 2024.09.11 MARZOLI MASCH TEXTILE SRL
  • EP4428277A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4428277A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4428277A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A mixer (6) of a spinning line comprises a plurality of mixing chambers (20) and for each mixing chamber (20) a pair of outlet rollers (32', 32'') and an opening roller (34), wherein at least one outlet roller (32") of the pair of outlet rollers has an outer lateral surface (66) and comprises a plurality of teeth (68) radially protruding from the outer lateral surface (66).