Freewheel Bobbin Clamping Mechanism for Quick Release

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for tensioning and releasing bobbin tubes are complex and require additional actuators or manual levers, making them inefficient for reliable and quick clamping and release.

Innovation Solution

A device with a freewheel mechanism that uses a power transmission means connected to a spring, allowing the bobbin tube holder to rotate freely in the winding direction while reversing the spindle motor direction to release the clamping, enabling easy and automatic release without additional actuators or manual levers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a complex clamping mechanism with additional actuators or manual levers is used, then reliable clamping of the bobbin tube is achieved, but the device complexity increases and operational effort increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclamping reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The clamping mechanism uses the rotational motion itself to activate clamping through the freewheel mechanism. During normal winding rotation, the freewheel automatically engages and activates the spring-loaded clamping elements to secure the bobbin tube, eliminating the need for separate actuators or manual levers. The system serves itself by using its own operational motion to trigger the clamping action.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanism transitions between clamped and released states dynamically based on rotation direction. The freewheel mechanism allows automatic engagement of clamping elements during forward rotation while permitting easy release during reverse rotation, creating a dynamic system that adapts its clamping state to the operational phase without additional control components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If a complex clamping mechanism with additional actuators or manual levers is used, then reliable clamping of the bobbin tube is achieved, but the ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclamping reliabilityVSAvoidease of release
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The release function is automatically performed by reversing the rotation direction, which causes the freewheel mechanism to disengage and release the clamping elements. No manual lever or additional actuator needs to be operated - the system releases itself through simple reverse rotation, making the release operation extremely easy while maintaining reliable clamping during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If the holder is rotated freely in the winding direction, then the winding process is smooth, but the release mechanism cannot be activated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverotation smoothnessVSAvoidautomatic release capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The freewheel mechanism is designed with asymmetric engagement characteristics that allow free rotation in the winding direction while automatically engaging the clamping elements. The same mechanism prevents free rotation in the reverse direction, using this rotational asymmetry to trigger the release function. This asymmetric design enables both smooth winding operation and automatic release activation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

4Extent of automation

If a spring-loaded clamping mechanism is used, then automatic clamping force is provided, but additional components increase device complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic clampingVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The spring-loaded clamping mechanism is merged with the freewheel mechanism into a single integrated assembly. The spring elements are positioned within the freewheel structure itself, combining the automatic clamping function with the rotational direction-sensitive engagement in one unified mechanism, thereby providing automatic clamping without significantly increasing overall device complexity.

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

Enables reliable clamping and quick release of bobbin tubes, reducing complexity and operational effort, allowing for effortless counter-winding with the spindle motor or by hand, while preventing unwanted rotation and ensuring secure holding with minimal effort.

Implementation Method 1

the clamping means being connected to a spring means via a power transmission means and the clamping means due to the spring force acting on it

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Implementation Method 2

a release device designed as a freewheel is provided in the winding direction, which remains in an inactive position when the holder is rotated in the winding direction and which is set up to rotate the holder counter to the winding direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFreewheel mechanism: Ratchet

Data Source

PatentEP2807101B1Device for clamping and releasing a winding tube
Publication Date: 2015.09.16 LUNATONE INDUSTRIELLE ELEKTRONIK GMBH
  • EP2807101B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2807101B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2807101B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~8

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for clamping and releasing a bobbin housing (3), comprising a mounting (2) for the bobbin housing (3), which mounting is rotatable by means of a spindle motor (33), and clamping means (4) for fixedly clamping the bobbin housing as said bobbin housing rotates, wherein the clamping means are connected to spring means (5) by means of force-transfer means (7) and the clamping means (4) clamp the bobbin housing to the rotatable mounting due to the spring force acting on the clamping means via the force-transfer means. According to the invention, clamping means (4a, 4b) for the bobbin housing are connected to a spring (5) by means of force-transfer means (7), wherein the clamping means clamp the bobbin housing (3) so as to prevent the rotation thereof due to the spring force acting on the clamping means via the force-transfer means, and a release device (13, 18, 15) designed as a freewheel mechanism in the winding direction which remains in an inactive position upon rotation of the mounting in the winding direction is provided and is configured to move the force-transfer means against the spring force upon rotation of the mounting (2) opposite to the winding direction in order to release the clamping of the bobbin housing.