Adaptive Thread Tension Control via Motor Parameter Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing thread feeding devices face difficulties in maintaining consistent tension delivery due to variations in thread properties and distance from the consumption point, leading to unreliable operation.

Innovation Solution

A thread feeding device with a motor-driven feed wheel, integrated thread tension sensor, and a balancing module that adapts motor operation based on thread flexibility, using a control device with P and D components to adjust parameters for optimal tension control, regardless of thread type and position.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a fixed control loop is used for thread tension control, then the device structure is simple, but the reliability deteriorates due to variations in thread properties and distance from consumption point

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethread tension control reliabilityVSAvoidcontrol device complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control device dynamically adjusts control parameters based on real-time detection of thread flexibility by the adjustment module. The controller modifies its operation characteristics according to the detected thread properties, transforming a static control system into a dynamic adaptive system that maintains reliable tension control across varying conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The adjustment module continuously detects thread flexibility and provides feedback to the control device. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables the controller to automatically adapt its parameters based on actual thread properties, ensuring consistent tension control reliability without requiring complex manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Length of moving object

If the thread feeding device is positioned far from the thread consumption point, then the coverage area is increased, but the manufacturing precision deteriorates due to tension variations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistance from consumption pointVSAvoidtension delivery precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustment module detects thread flexibility in real-time and provides feedback to the control device, enabling automatic parameter adjustment. This feedback mechanism compensates for tension variations caused by increased distance, maintaining precise tension delivery even when the device is positioned far from the consumption point.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The control device changes its operational parameters based on detected thread flexibility. By adjusting control parameters such as motor speed or torque in response to thread properties, the system maintains consistent tension delivery precision regardless of the distance from the consumption point.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If different thread types are used, then the versatility is increased, but the reliability deteriorates due to varying thread flexibility

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethread type compatibilityVSAvoidtension control reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control device automatically changes its control parameters based on the detected thread flexibility. When different thread types are introduced, the adjustment module detects the new thread properties and the controller adapts its parameters accordingly, maintaining reliable tension control across diverse thread types without manual reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The adjustment module provides continuous feedback on thread flexibility to the control device, enabling real-time adaptation to different thread types. This feedback mechanism ensures that the control system automatically adjusts to maintain reliable tension control regardless of which thread type is being processed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Productivity

If manual adjustment is required for different thread types, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity deteriorates due to adjustment time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation speedVSAvoidautomation level
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustment module automatically detects thread flexibility and the control device automatically adjusts its parameters without requiring manual intervention. The system performs self-adjustment based on real-time detection, eliminating the need for operator intervention while maintaining high productivity across different thread types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The closed-loop feedback system automatically detects thread properties and adjusts control parameters without manual input. This automated feedback mechanism eliminates adjustment time losses while the system remains relatively simple in structure, achieving high productivity without excessive complexity.

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 reliable, independent thread tension control across various thread properties and positions, preventing thread wind-off and optimizing control quality by automatically adjusting parameters based on thread compliance.

Implementation Method 1

A thread tension sensor (12) is arranged in the thread travel path, which detects the thread tension and supplies a thread tension signal to a control device (10)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThread tension detection: Tension

Implementation Method 2

A motor (7) drives a thread feed wheel (5) which is set up to convey the thread (2) from a thread source to a thread consumption point (3)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

The control device (10) controls the motor (7) in such a way that thread tension fluctuations are counteracted

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFeedback control: Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP2207922B1Thread delivery device with an adaptive regulator
Publication Date: 2012.08.15 MEMMINGER IRO GMBH
  • EP2207922B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2207922B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4

AI summary

A thread delivery apparatus (1) for tension-regulated thread feeding has an adaptive regulator for controlling its drive motor (7). The adaptive regulator controls the drive motor (7) according to the thread tension which is detected by means of a thread tension sensor (12). A calibrating module (16) is provided for determining the compliance of the thread (2) in a test and for fixing the regulating parameters of the regulator correspondingly. This relates, in particular, to the D proportion of the regulator, but can also relate to the P proportion and/or the Ü proportion. The thread delivery apparatus is therefore adapted automatically to different use conditions.