Collector Comb Yarn Arrangement for Precise Warp Offsets

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing yarn arranging machines are limited in automating the process of creating desired yarn arrangements for warps, particularly in handling a large number of yarns and achieving accurate yarn offsets, leading to inefficiencies and quality issues in the weaving process.

Innovation Solution

A yarn arranging machine with an open collector comb and a yarn releasing device that includes a support member with a free end, allowing for relative movement between the collector comb and yarn layers, enabling precise and automated yarn arrangement with larger offsets and handling multiple layers, thereby improving the accuracy and efficiency of the weaving process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If manual yarn arrangement is used to achieve accurate yarn positioning, then yarn arrangement precision is improved, but production time increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveyarn arrangement precisionVSAvoidproduction time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses optical sensors to automatically detect yarn positions and a controller to autonomously calculate and execute the yarn arrangement sequence, eliminating the need for manual intervention while maintaining high precision in yarn positioning on the weaving beam

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical arrangement with an automated system combining optical detection, electronic control, and mechanical execution through the yarn arranging device, achieving both high precision and efficiency

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

2Productivity

If automated yarn arranging systems are used to reduce production time, then productivity is improved, but yarn arrangement precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction efficiencyVSAvoidyarn arrangement precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates optical sensors that continuously detect yarn positions and feed this information back to the controller, which adjusts the arranging sequence in real-time to maintain high precision automatically, resolving the trade-off between speed and accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The automated system uses electronic control and optical detection to achieve precision that rivals or exceeds manual arrangement, while simultaneously dramatically increasing production throughput

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

3Device complexity

If fixed-layer handling systems are used to simplify device structure, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice structure simplicityVSAvoidcolor repeat adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically determines the yarn arranging sequence based on detected yarn positions and input parameters such as color repeats, allowing it to adapt to different fabric patterns and requirements without changing the physical device structure, thus maintaining simplicity while achieving high versatility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The controller adjusts operational parameters such as the arranging sequence and offset values based on the detected yarn configuration and desired color repeats, enabling the same device to handle diverse patterns by changing control parameters rather than mechanical configuration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Device complexity

If limited yarn offset capability is used to simplify the arranging mechanism, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvearranging mechanism simplicityVSAvoidyarn offset capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system achieves variable yarn offsets by dynamically adjusting the collector comb position and arranging sequence through electronic control, rather than using complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms, thus maintaining mechanism simplicity while achieving full offset adaptability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The controller calculates and applies different offset values for different yarn groups based on the detected positions and desired color repeats, enabling flexible offset adjustment without modifying the physical arranging mechanism structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3121316B1Yarn arranging machine
Publication Date: 2018.09.12 STAUBLI SARGANS AG
  • EP3121316B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3121316B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3121316B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a yarn arranging machine (1) for forming a warp with a desired yarn arrangement from a plurality of yarn layers, each layer comprising a plurality of yarns extending parallel to each other lengthwise along a machining direction of the yarn arranging machine (1), said yarn arranging machine (1) comprising; an open collector comb (50) for receiving the plurality of yarns according to the desired yarn arrangement, the collector comb extending lengthwise along a transverse direction (T) across the width of the plurality of yarn layers transverse to the machining direction; a yarn releasing device (20) comprising at least one support member (22) for supporting the yarns of a respective yarn layer selected from the plurality of yarn layers, said support member (22) having a free end and being interposable between the yarns of the selected yarn layer and the collector comb (50); releasing driving means (26) configured to move the free end of the support member (22) in the transverse direction (T) relative to the selected yarn layer to free a passage for the supported yarns of the selected yarn layer toward the collector comb (50); collector driving means configured to cause a relative movement between the collector comb (50) and the selected yarn layer at least in the transverse direction (T). The invention further relates to a method for preparing a warp with a desired yarn arrangement from a plurality of separated yarn layers overlapping each other across the width of the plurality of yarn layers.