Design and manufacturability data of automatic lotus fiber extractor

Area of Science:

• Textile Science
• Mechanical Engineering
• Automation

Background:

• Lotus silk is a rare and expensive textile derived from lotus stem fibers.
• Current lotus fiber extraction methods can be labor-intensive and inefficient.
• There is a need for automated solutions to improve the productivity and working conditions in lotus fiber extraction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a dataset containing the design and manufacturability information for an automatic lotus fiber extraction machine.
• To provide comprehensive data including design files, diagrams, and manufacturing cost for the automated system.
• To facilitate further research and development in lotus fiber processing technology.

Main Methods:

• The machine design incorporates three modules: workpiece feeding, fiber pulling, and fiber spinning.
• Design utilized AutoCad for principle diagrams and HMI connection diagrams, and Solidworks for 3D modeling.
• Open-source libraries (MISUMI, GrabCAD, AIRTAC) were used for component selection, and TIA portal for PLC programming.

Main Results:

• The dataset includes AutoCad diagrams, Solidworks CAD files, HMI/PLC connection diagrams (PDF), and manufacturing cost analysis (Excel).
• The design addresses the complete process from material feeding to fiber spinning.
• Detailed manufacturing cost data is provided for reference and future economic analysis.

Conclusions:

• This dataset offers a valuable resource for researchers and engineers aiming to develop and improve automated lotus fiber extraction systems.
• The availability of design and cost data can accelerate innovation in the production of lotus silk.
• The automated system has the potential to enhance productivity and improve the labor environment in the lotus fiber industry.