Variable Speed Circular Comb Transmission for Combing Machines

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing combing machines with circular combs lack optimal speed control, leading to inefficient combing and potential mechanical interference, which affects the quality of the processed fibre and reliability of the machine.

Innovation Solution

A combing machine with a transmission device that varies the angular speed and acceleration of the circular comb based on its angular position, ensuring optimal combing efficiency and minimizing mechanical stress on components by synchronizing the circular comb's movement with the nipper's alternate motion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the circular comb rotates at constant speed, then the structure is simple, but the combing efficiency is suboptimal and mechanical interference occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecombing efficiencyVSAvoidspeed control mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the circular comb's rotation speed variable rather than constant. The transmission device adjusts the angular speed of the circular comb based on its angular position, allowing it to rotate faster during combing operations and slower during idle periods, thereby optimizing combing efficiency while avoiding mechanical interference with the nipper.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of rotational speed dynamically. The transmission device modifies the angular speed parameter of the circular comb as a function of its angular position, enabling optimal performance at different stages of the combing cycle without requiring complex multiple-comb systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Speed

If the circular comb rotates faster continuously, then combing speed increases, but mechanical stress on components increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomb rotation speedVSAvoidmechanical component durability
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic action by cycling the circular comb's speed through distinct phases: faster rotation during active combing and slower rotation during idle periods. This periodic variation in speed reduces average mechanical stress on components while maintaining high combing efficiency during operational phases.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The transmission device dynamically adjusts the circular comb's speed based on operational requirements, allowing high speed during combing and low speed during idle periods, thereby optimizing both productivity and component reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If the circular comb and nipper move independently, then each component operates simply, but structural interference occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindependent component operationVSAvoidstructural interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The transmission device incorporates feedback based on the circular comb's angular position to control its speed. This feedback mechanism ensures that the circular comb rotates at appropriate speeds relative to the nipper's position, preventing structural interference while maintaining coordinated operation of both components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the circular comb's rotation speed dynamic and position-dependent, allowing it to adapt its speed based on the nipper's location. This dynamic coordination eliminates structural interference between the two moving components while maintaining operational simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2570525B1Combing machine with variable speed circular comb
Publication Date: 2016.06.08 MARZOLI MASCH TEXTILE SRL
  • EP2570525B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2570525B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2570525B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A combing machine envisages, between a motor (21) and a circular comb (20), a transmission device (30) having in input a motor shaft (36) with angular input speed (Win) and in output a driven shaft (19) with angular output speed (Wout), engaged with the circular comb (20). The ratio (R) between the angular output speed (Wout) and the angular input speed (Win) being defined, said ratio is variable depending on the angular position (α) of the circular comb and is between 1.55 and 0.45. In particular the ratio (R) depending on the angular position (α) is defined by the graph shown in figure 7.