CMOS Optical Detector for Yarn Monitoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for monitoring yarn parameters on textile machines are limited by instability of light sources, difficulty in analyzing surface structure, and insufficient measurement of yarn length due to high-speed movement, leading to inaccurate and incomplete data, especially on spinning and weft-winding machines.

Innovation Solution

An optical detector with two rows of rectangular optical elements, where the first row measures yarn diameter and position to mask the second row, which assesses external influences like dust and surface structure, producing analog signals for integrated signal processing directly on a common semiconductor support, reducing data transmission demands and enhancing precision.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single row of optical elements is used to measure yarn parameters, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to analyze surface structure and resist external influences is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetector structureVSAvoidsurface structure analysis

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The detector is segmented into two distinct rows of optical elements: a first row for measuring yarn diameter and position, and a second row for assessing external influences and surface structure. This segmentation allows each row to be optimized for its specific function while working together to provide comprehensive yarn parameter measurement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a single-row (one-dimensional) detector to a two-row (two-dimensional) detector arrangement. The first row optical elements have their longer sides extending in the yarn movement direction, while the second row optical elements have their longer sides extending perpendicular to the movement direction, creating complementary measurement dimensions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If yarn is measured at high speed, then productivity is improved, but the measurement length is insufficient leading to inaccurate data

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement speedVSAvoidyarn parameter accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The two rows of optical elements continuously and simultaneously measure different aspects of yarn parameters at high speed. The first row continuously tracks diameter and position while the second row continuously monitors external influences, ensuring uninterrupted measurement throughout the yarn's passage through the detector.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The second row of optical elements preliminarily assesses external influences such as dust and lighting conditions before they affect the primary measurements. This preliminary assessment allows for compensation or correction of the first row's measurements, maintaining accuracy even at high measurement speeds.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Loss of information

If analog signal processing is performed on a common semiconductor support, then data transmission demands are reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transmission efficiencyVSAvoidsemiconductor fabrication

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges both rows of optical elements and their associated analog signal processing circuits onto a single common semiconductor support. This integration combines the functionality of multiple components into one unified device, reducing data transmission requirements while consolidating the manufacturing process into a single fabrication step.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 solution provides accurate and sensitive measurements of yarn parameters over a larger length, with high resistance to external influences, reducing fouling and computational demands, enabling real-time processing on production machines.

Implementation Method 1

each optical element produces at its output an analog signal corresponding to the intensity of its irradiation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric Effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP2827132B1CMOS optical detector comprising a plurality of optical elements for device for monitoring parameters of moving yarn on textile machines

Publication Date: 2020.02.19 RIETER CZ AS

Figure 1~2
Figure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a CMOS optical detector (5) comprising a plurality of optical elements for a device for detecting parameters of moving yarn (2) or another linear textile formation on textile machines by means of perpendicular projection of yarn (2) onto individual optical elements (41, 42) of a sensor (4) with the aid of one source (3) of radiation. The optical elements (41, 42) of the sensor (4) are arranged in two parallel rows perpendicularly to the direction of the movement of the projection of yarn (2), each optical element (41, 42) produces at its output an analog signal corresponding to the intensity of its irradiation and each optical element is rectangular-shaped, whereby the individual optical elements (41) of the first row are oriented to have their longer sides in the direction of the movement of the projection of yarn (2), whereas the optical elements (42) of the second row are oriented to have their longer sides perpendicularly to the direction of the movement of the projection of yarn (2).