Centrifugal Thread Clamping Device for Spindle

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing thread clamping devices for spinning or twisting machines face challenges in securely clamping thicker threads due to reduced magnetic force at increased thread thickness and the need for expensive magnets, which are also sensitive to vibrations.

Innovation Solution

A thread clamping device with a relief element that generates variable relief forces at defined spindle speeds, allowing the clamping elements to open at a higher spindle speed and close at a lower speed, eliminating the need for magnets and enabling greater clamping force for thicker threads using inexpensive spring elements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If magnets are used as loading elements to clamp threads, then the clamping force decreases as thread thickness increases due to reduced magnetic force, but magnets provide reliable clamping for thinner threads

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclamping forceVSAvoidadaptability to different thread thicknesses
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical principle from magnetic force to centrifugal force. The relief elements (centrifugal bodies) generate relief forces that vary with spindle speed, allowing the same mechanism to adapt to different thread thicknesses. Thicker threads require higher clamping forces that are achieved at lower speeds, while thinner threads are clamped at higher speeds, eliminating the limitation of magnetic force decay with distance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the magnetic field-based loading element with a mechanical centrifugal force-based system. The centrifugal bodies convert rotational kinetic energy into radial relief forces that act on the clamping elements, providing a mechanical alternative to electromagnetic forces that does not suffer from the same distance-dependent attenuation.

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

2Reliability

If magnets are used as loading elements, then reliable clamping is achieved, but the cost increases due to expensive magnets and vibration sensitivity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability of thread clampingVSAvoidmanufacturing cost and complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive magnets with inexpensive centrifugal bodies made from common materials. These simple mechanical components can be manufactured at low cost and are not sensitive to vibrations, eliminating the need for costly magnetic materials and complex mounting arrangements while maintaining reliable clamping function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts and eliminates the magnetic components from the system, removing the source of vibration sensitivity and high cost. The centrifugal force mechanism operates independently of magnetic fields, allowing the device to function reliably in vibrating environments without requiring expensive vibration-resistant magnetic materials.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Device complexity

If the clamping elements open and close at the same spindle speed, then the mechanism is simple, but it is difficult to securely hold thicker threads during bobbin changing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of opening/closing mechanismVSAvoidreliability of thread holding during bobbin changing
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic behavior where the clamping elements open at a first spindle speed and close at a second, lower spindle speed. This asymmetric dynamic response allows the system to maintain simple mechanical operation while achieving reliable thread holding during bobbin changing, as the closing occurs at lower speeds providing enhanced clamping force when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes periodic spindle rotation to create alternating phases of thread clamping and release. During normal operation at high speeds, the centrifugal force keeps elements open; during bobbin changing at lower speeds, the spring loading element closes the clamping elements securely. This periodic action between two speed states enables both simplicity and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic 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

The device securely holds thicker threads during bobbin changing processes without the need for magnets, reducing operational costs and ensuring reliable thread management across varying spindle speeds.

Implementation Method 1

the relief element being movable in the thread clamping device under the action of centrifugal force when the spindle rotates

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Implementation Method 2

the loading element which causes the thread to be clamped is formed by a spring

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP2256238B2Thread trapper device for a spindle of a spinning or thread machine
Publication Date: 2018.11.14 MASCHINENFABRIK RIETER AG
  • EP2256238B2 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2256238B2 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2256238B2 patent drawingFigure 3~6

AI summary

The device (8) has a retainer (9) for attaching the device at a spindle (1). An unloading element (18) generates unloading force at an opposite direction to loading force. The unloading element is moved in the device under centrifugal force with rotating spindle. Two clamping elements (12, 13) are opened by the unloading force. The unloading element is attached at two positions in the device such that the different unloading forces are generated at positions during defined spindle speed by the unloading element. A pre-formable component is formed by a rubber elastic ring.