Air-Jet Spun Yarn Weak-Point Detection Using Brightness Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Reliable and early detection of weak points in spun yarn, particularly air-jet spun yarn, is difficult, leading to defects that cause significant downtime and additional costs during further processing.

Innovation Solution

A method involving optical detection of yarn brightness, with deviation analysis to identify irregularities, allowing early detection of weak points by evaluating brightness values and issuing warnings or initiating corrective actions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional detection methods are used, then the detection device complexity is low, but the measurement precision and reliability of weak point detection is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability of weak point detectionVSAvoiddetection device complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical or electrical detection systems with an optical detection system. Optical sensors measure brightness values of the yarn, which are then processed to detect weak points. This substitution provides higher reliability and earlier detection capability while maintaining acceptable device complexity through the use of standard optical components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary evaluation step that processes optical detection values through a data processing device. This intermediary layer analyzes brightness deviations and compares them against reference values to identify weak points, enabling reliable detection without requiring complex direct measurement systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of time

If detection is performed later in the spinning process, then the device complexity is reduced, but the loss of time increases due to late detection of weak points

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection timingVSAvoiddetection system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary detection of weak points during the spinning process itself, rather than waiting for later stages. By continuously monitoring brightness values and comparing them against reference data obtained from defect-free yarn sections, the system detects weak points early, enabling timely corrective action and reducing production time losses.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If optical detection with brightness evaluation is implemented, then the measurement precision for weak point detection is improved, but the use of energy increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebrightness measurement precisionVSAvoidenergy consumption of detection system
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by using optical detection only at specific critical points along the yarn path where weak points are most likely to form, rather than continuous monitoring throughout the entire spinning process. This selective monitoring maintains measurement precision for detecting meaningful deviations while reducing overall energy consumption of the detection system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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

Enables early detection and prevention of weak points, reducing downtime and costs by identifying structural deficiencies before they fully develop, using optical sensors and data processing to monitor and react to deviations in yarn brightness.

Implementation Method 1

the at least one detection value is specific for a brightness of the yarn, i.e., in particular for the quantity of light emitted by the yarn, which the yarn reflects (also: remitted) due to illumination

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP4603627A1Method to detect the formation of at least a weak point of a spun yarn, device for data processing, monitoring device, spinning machine, computer program and computer readable medium
Publication Date: 2025.08.20 SAURER SPINNING SOLUTIONS GMBH & CO KG
  • EP4603627A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4603627A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4603627A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for detecting the formation of at least one weak point in spun, in particular air-jet spun, yarn in a spinning machine, comprising the following steps: - receiving at least one detection value resulting from an optical detection of the yarn, wherein the at least one detection value is specific to a brightness of the yarn, - evaluating the at least one detection value in order to determine an irregularity with regard to the brightness of the yarn, - detecting the formation of the at least one weak point based on the detected irregularity. Furthermore, the invention relates to a data processing device, a monitoring device (306), a spinning machine, a computer program, and a computer-readable medium.