CNT Yarn Production Device With Adjustable Resistive Force

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing yarn producing apparatuses for carbon nanotube yarns face instability in twisting due to inconsistent resistive force, leading to insufficient strength, and require frequent replacement of spinnerets for varying yarn thickness.

Innovation Solution

A yarn producing apparatus with a preliminary aggregating unit that exerts resistive force on carbon nanotube fibers, a twisting unit for dense aggregation, and an adjusting mechanism to control fiber density and tension, allowing for consistent production of strong carbon nanotube yarns.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a pair of rotatable roller is used as holding means for aggregating carbon nanotube fibers, then the fibers can be aggregated, but resistive force does not stably exert on the fibers against running, leading to unstable twisting state and insufficient yarn strength

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability of twisting stateVSAvoidyarn strength
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The holding means is divided into multiple independent holding members (first holding member and second holding member) that can be independently adjusted. Each holding member applies resistive force separately, allowing stable aggregation of carbon nanotube fibers while maintaining consistent tension during the twisting process, thereby resolving the instability in twisting state and improving yarn strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Manufacturing precision

If spinnerets or nozzles are used to create alignment of suspended nanotube arrays, then the degree of carbon nanotube alignment increases, but the spinnerets have to be replaced each time depending on desired thickness of carbon nanotube yarn

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment of carbon nanotubeVSAvoidfrequency of spinneret replacement
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The holding means is designed with adjustable parameters, allowing the resistive force and aggregation density to be dynamically changed by adjusting the holding members. This eliminates the need to replace spinnerets for different yarn thicknesses, as the same device can adapt to various production requirements through parameter adjustment, thereby improving productivity while maintaining manufacturing precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If resistive force is not stably exerted on carbon nanotube fibers, then the fibers can run freely, but the twisting state becomes unstable and the produced yarn does not have sufficient strength

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefree running of fibersVSAvoidyarn strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The holding members are designed with adjustable parameters including the magnitude of resistive force and the position of the members. By changing these parameters, the system can maintain stable resistive force on the fibers during aggregation and twisting, ensuring sufficient yarn strength while allowing controlled fiber movement for easy operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 apparatus produces carbon nanotube yarns with sufficient strength and adjustable fiber density, maintaining desired tension and preventing clogging, while allowing for easy removal of fibers and efficient twisting.

Implementation Method 1

a preliminary aggregating unit configured to aggregate the carbon nanotube fibers while exerting resistive force on the carbon nanotube fibers against the running

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResistive force: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3312320B1Carbon nanotube yarn production device
Publication Date: 2022.03.16 MURATA MASCH LTD
  • EP3312320B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3312320B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3312320B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A yarn producing apparatus 1A is an apparatus for producing CNT yarn Y from CNT fibers F while allowing the CNT (carbon nanotube) fibers F to run. The yarn producing apparatus 1A includes an aggregating unit 3A configured to aggregate the CNT fibers F, and a twisting and winding device 5 configured to twist the CNT fibers F aggregated by the aggregating unit 3A.