Knot Tying Device with Electromagnetic Shuttle Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing knot-tying devices for wire bundles are not efficient in forming secure and consistent knots, particularly in industrial settings where durability and safety are critical, as they often require manual operation and lack precision in filament management.
Innovation Solution
A knot-tying device with a housing containing a shuttle mechanism that moves in a circular path, utilizing electromagnetic coils to direct the filament and form loops, along with a cartridge system for supplying tying filament, which includes a tensioning mechanism and trimming device for secure knot formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual operation is used for knot-tying, then ease of operation is maintained, but productivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables automatic knot-tying operation where the shuttle mechanism autonomously forms loops, guides filament, and creates knots without continuous manual intervention. The system serves itself by automatically cycling through the knot-tying process, improving productivity while minimizing the need for manual operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical knot-tying operations with an automated shuttle mechanism that uses electromagnetic actuation. The mechanical system performs knot-tying automatically through coordinated movement of the shuttle, filament guide, and tensioning components, eliminating the need for manual dexterity while maintaining operational ease.
2Productivity
If automated shuttle mechanism is used, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shuttle mechanism is designed to perform multiple functions within a single integrated component: it carries the filament, forms loops, guides the filament through the knot-tying path, and facilitates knot formation. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby managing device complexity while maintaining high productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines several knot-tying functions into the single shuttle mechanism, merging filament carrying, loop forming, and knot creation operations. By consolidating these functions into one moving assembly, the device achieves automated high-speed knot-tying without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If electromagnetic coils are used for filament control, then manufacturing precision is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnetic coils operate in periodic cycles, activating only at specific moments during the shuttle's trajectory when precise filament positioning is required. This pulsed operation rather than continuous activation maintains manufacturing precision while significantly reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous electromagnetic actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnetic coil system dynamically adjusts its activation timing and duration based on the shuttle's position and the specific knot-tying phase. By optimizing the electromagnetic actuation parameters in real-time, the system achieves precise filament control only when necessary, minimizing energy use while maintaining positioning accuracy.
4Reliability
If tensioning mechanism is added, then knot security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tensioning mechanism applies force locally at the knot formation point rather than throughout the entire filament length. By concentrating the tensioning action only where needed during critical phases of knot formation, the system improves knot security without requiring a complex tensioning system that would increase overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The tensioning mechanism serves as an intermediary component that mediates between the shuttle's filament manipulation and the final knot formation. It provides controlled resistance and tension during the knot-tying process, ensuring secure knot formation while maintaining simplicity through its role as a dedicated tensioning element rather than a complex control system.
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 device enables efficient, secure, and consistent knot formation around wire bundles with user-defined tension, improving safety and durability in industrial applications by automating the knot-tying process and ensuring reliable filament supply.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing electromagnetic coils to direct the filament and form loops
Data Source
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AI summary
A system includes a knot tying device for tying a filament in a knot around an article and a filament delivery device from which is drawn the filament. The filament delivery device may be in the form of a cartridge having a housing sized and arranged to be releaseably attached to the knot tying device where the housing has an opening through which pre-cut or loosely coupled lengths of the filament can be drawn. The knot tying device includes a shuttle attachable to the filament where the shuttle is caused to be moved during a knot tying process around an article to be tied and a device for at least pulling the filament away from the article at appropriate times during the knot tying process.