Conical Spindle Thread Separation Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing thread separation devices are not capable of reliably and reproducibly separating terminal threads of varying thicknesses without mechanical adjustments and have complex designs, limiting their compatibility with different thread types.

Innovation Solution

A thread separating device featuring a rotatable spindle with a helical guide track and a deflection part that deflects threads from a first plane into a second plane, utilizing a steep drop-off edge for separation, allowing for the separation of threads by building tension perpendicular to the thread layer, and a transport device for efficient thread removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional spindle with helical groove is used for thread separation, then threads can be transported along the spindle, but the device cannot reliably separate threads of different thicknesses without mechanical adjustments

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with different thread thicknessesVSAvoidreliability of thread separation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the geometric parameters of the spindle, specifically using a conical spindle shape with varying diameter along its length. This allows the spindle to accommodate threads of different thicknesses by adapting to their respective diameters, eliminating the need for mechanical adjustments while maintaining reliable separation across various thread types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The conical spindle design provides universal functionality by being able to handle and separate threads of any thickness within a single geometric configuration. The varying diameter of the conical shape allows it to work with different thread types without requiring component changes or adjustments, achieving multi-functionality in a single device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a warp thread catching member is provided to adjust inlet width to thread diameter, then single thread capture is enabled, but the device design becomes complex and requires mechanical adjustments

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesingle thread capture capabilityVSAvoiddevice design complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and eliminates the complex warp thread catching member from the device design. Instead of using a separate adjustable component to control inlet width, the conical spindle's geometry itself provides the necessary thread capture and separation functionality, significantly simplifying the overall device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention merges the functions of thread capture, transport, and separation into a single conical spindle component. The helical groove and conical shape work together as an integrated system, eliminating the need for separate adjustable catching members and reducing device complexity while maintaining reliable single thread capture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If threads are separated before entering the groove, then separation can be achieved, but the device requires complex adjustable components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethread separation capabilityVSAvoidmechanical component adjustments
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The conical shape of the spindle performs preliminary action by gradually guiding and positioning threads as they approach the helical groove. The varying diameter creates natural tension and positioning effects that prepare threads for separation before they enter the groove, achieving reliable separation without requiring complex adjustable components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The conical (curved) shape of the spindle replaces straight, adjustable mechanical components. The curved surface of the cone naturally guides threads and creates the necessary tension and positioning through its geometry, achieving thread separation through form rather than through complex mechanical adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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 reliable and efficient separation of threads across different thicknesses with a simple and compact design, improving performance by accommodating multiple threads in a single spindle geometry and enhancing thread tension for effective separation and transport.

Implementation Method 1

Thread separation can therefore be achieved by building up thread tension in the Z direction (perpendicular to the thread layer), so that the threads can be separated at the discharge edge

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThread tension: Tension

Data Source

PatentEP2881506B1Apparatus for separation of threads
Publication Date: 2016.09.07 STAUBLI SARGANS AG
  • EP2881506B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2881506B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2881506B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a thread separating device (11) for separating a thread (15') from a layer of threads (13) comprising a first spindle (17) rotatable about a rotational axis (18), the circumference of which is provided by a first helical guide track (27). The first spindle (17) is capable of transporting several threads along the first helical guide track (27) as it rotates. A deflecting element (25) is positioned upstream of the first spindle (17), which deflects the threads (15) from the first plane (16) into a second plane (35). A first discharge edge (31) is provided at the rear end (33) of the first spindle (17) for discharging the threads (15) from the second plane (35) into a third plane (39).