Fixed Catch Hook Thread Clamping for Automatic Bobbin Changes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing thread winding devices face challenges in reliably clamping threads during automatic bobbin changes without incurring significant design complexities or suffering from thread residue-related issues, such as thread breakage and uneven bobbin unwinding.

Innovation Solution

A device with adjustable centering plates featuring a centering cone and a fixed catch hook with a nose-shaped recess, where the thread is clamped at a point formed by the edge between the bobbin tube's casing side and end face, ensuring secure clamping without additional thread receiving slits or notches, and releasing the clamp when the bobbin is removed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a catch slot or catch notch is provided in the outer surface of the take-up tube, then the thread can be caught during winding, but the thread does not reliably remain in the catch slot and leaves it radially

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethread retentionVSAvoidbobbin tube design
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A fixed catch hook is introduced as an intermediary element on the centering plate to catch and hold the thread. The catch hook acts as a mediator between the thread and the winding system, providing reliable thread retention without modifying the bobbin tube structure. The thread is transferred from the catch hook to the bobbin tube during the winding process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of providing thread-catching features on the bobbin tube itself (which failed to retain thread), the invention inverts the approach by placing the catch hook on the centering plate. The centering plate, which already rotates with the bobbin tube, now performs the thread-catching function, reversing the traditional location of the thread engagement feature.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Reliability

If a movable catch hook is used to hold the thread with centrifugal force, then the thread can be caught during rotation, but the catch hook can lose its functionality over time and the construction becomes technically complicated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethread catchingVSAvoidclamping mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention inverts the traditional movable catch hook design by making the catch hook fixed on the centering plate. Instead of using centrifugal force to hold the thread with a movable hook, the fixed hook relies on the rotational motion of the entire centering plate assembly to transfer the thread to the bobbin tube, eliminating wear and functional loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The fixed catch hook system is self-service in that it requires no active control or adjustment mechanisms. The thread is automatically caught by the fixed hook and transferred to the bobbin tube through the natural rotation of the centering plate, eliminating the need for complex control systems or movable parts that could fail.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If friction is used to carry along the thread around the catch hook, then the thread can be held, but the thread does not reliably remain on the catch hook and soiling occurs from thread residues

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethread holdingVSAvoidthread soiling
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The fixed catch hook serves as an intermediary that provides positive mechanical engagement with the thread rather than relying on friction. This positive engagement prevents thread residues from accumulating and soiling the system, while the clean transfer mechanism maintains thread quality throughout the winding process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3891089B1Device and method for winding a thread
Publication Date: 2023.06.07 STC SPINNZWIRN GMBH
  • EP3891089B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3891089B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4B
  • EP3891089B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

The invention relates to a device (1) for winding a thread (2) on a winding machine and to a method for winding a thread (2) on a winding machine. The winding machine has at least one spool sleeve (3) and a spool holder (4), which has two oppositely disposed centering plates (51, 52), having an adjustable axial distance relative to each other, for tensioning the spool sleeve (3), wherein the centering plates (51, 52) each have a centering cone (7) which engages in an open spool sleeve end, a fixed arrester hook (9) for arresting the thread (2) is provided in one of the centering plates (52), said arrester hook being oriented in the circumferential direction of said centering plate, and the centering plate (52) having the arrester hook (9) comprises an outer cone (8) which overlaps the outer diameter of the spool sleeve end (6), an inside of the arrester hook (9) being formed by a nose-like recess (11) provided in the outer cone (8), and a thread clamping point (14) being formed between an inner wall (12) of the outer cone and an edge between the lateral side (31) and the end face (33) of the spool sleeve end (6).