Multi-site textile machine contamination control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing multi-point textile machines face functional and quality issues due to contamination from dust, fluff, and dirt, which are not optimally addressed by current cleaning systems that require manual input of cleaning parameters, leading to suboptimal or excessive cleaning.

Innovation Solution

The integration of sensors at critical contamination points that detect contamination levels and automatically control suction or compressed air applications through a central control device, allowing for targeted and objective cleaning without operator intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual cleaning parameters are used in existing cleaning systems, then the cleaning process can be controlled, but the cleaning effectiveness is suboptimal and energy waste occurs due to lack of objective contamination detection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning effectivenessVSAvoidenergy waste
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where sensors continuously monitor contamination levels at work stations and automatically adjust cleaning parameters. The control device receives contamination data from sensors and regulates the traveling unit's cleaning actions accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that prevents both insufficient cleaning and energy waste from excessive cleaning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The cleaning system performs self-service by automatically detecting contamination and initiating cleaning operations without manual intervention. The sensors and control device enable the system to monitor and clean itself based on actual contamination levels, eliminating the need for operator input and optimizing energy usage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If sensors and automatic control are integrated into the cleaning system, then cleaning precision and energy efficiency improve, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontamination detection accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The traveling unit serves multiple functions: it transports cleaning tools along the machine, houses sensors for contamination detection, contains the control device for automatic regulation, and executes cleaning operations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving precise contamination monitoring and control.

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

3Reliability

If continuous monitoring and automatic cleaning is implemented, then functional problems and quality issues are prevented, but the system requires more complex control mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional reliabilityVSAvoidcontrol mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control device continuously receives feedback from sensors monitoring contamination at critical points such as the thread cleaner's measuring head and the paraffining device. Based on this feedback, the control device automatically regulates cleaning operations, ensuring functional reliability is maintained while using a relatively simple control architecture that processes sensor data and triggers appropriate cleaning actions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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

Ensures consistent and efficient cleaning, preventing malfunctions and quality issues by using objective criteria to adjust cleaning parameters, reducing the risk of over-cleaning and energy waste.

Implementation Method 1

a traveling unit that can be moved along the work stations, with openings for the application of suction or compressed air

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Implementation Method 2

openings for the application of suction or compressed air

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompressed air: Pressurisation

Data Source

PatentEP2982784B1Multi-site textile machine
Publication Date: 2019.10.09 SAURER SPINNING SOLUTIONS GMBH & CO KG
  • EP2982784B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2982784B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to a multi-workplace textile machine (1) which includes a movable traveling unit along workplaces (2), and air-sucking and air-discharging holes (41, 42, 43, 44, 45) on both the traveling unit and the workplaces (2) for cleaning lint and dust of the multi-workplace textile machine (1). According to the invention, such a device is provided that the device detects contamination of the workplaces (2) by using a sensing mode and transmits the result to a control unit (28). The control unit (28) is configured to control the supply of suction air or discharge air to the holes (41, 42, 43, 44, 45) as needed on the basis of the contamination.