Magnetic Thread Storage Unit for Constant Tension Winding

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for maintaining thread tension during the winding process in textile machines are not suitable for keeping thread tension constant, particularly at higher winding speeds and when frequent changes in thread tension occur due to various influences.

Innovation Solution

A thread storage unit with a freely rotatable thread guide arm and magnetically acting coupling elements that adjust thread tension by pivoting into the thread path, forming loops to collect excess or release thread as needed, using a control system to maintain constant tension.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a controllable electric drive with a thread guide arm is used to adjust thread tension, then thread tension can be regulated, but at higher winding speeds the system cannot maintain constant thread tension due to frequent tension changes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethread tension constancyVSAvoidwinding speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional electric drive system with a magnetic coupling system. The drive unit uses magnetic fields to transmit rotational motion to the thread guide arm without direct mechanical contact. This substitution enables higher response speeds and smoother operation, allowing the system to maintain constant thread tension even at high winding speeds where frequent tension adjustments are required.

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

2Ease of operation

If the thread guide arm is mounted on a drive shaft to pivot into the thread path, then thread storage function is achieved, but the mounting connection may affect free rotation and response speed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethread guide arm pivotingVSAvoidresponse speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates direct mechanical mounting of the thread guide arm on the drive shaft. Instead, a magnetic coupling system transmits rotational motion through magnetic fields, allowing the thread guide arm to rotate freely without physical constraints from mechanical connections. This enables faster response speed while maintaining the pivoting function needed for thread storage and tension regulation.

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

3Speed

If magnetic coupling elements are used for contactless drive, then response speed and precision improve, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresponse speedVSAvoidmagnetic coupling system
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic coupling system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it transmits rotational motion, provides contactless drive, enables precise positioning, and allows free rotation of the thread guide arm. By consolidating these functions into a single magnetic coupling mechanism rather than separate mechanical components, the system achieves high response speed without proportionally increasing overall complexity.

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

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 thread storage unit effectively maintains precise and high-frequency constant thread tension, enabling reliable winding processes even at high speeds, allowing for both cylindrical and conical winding bobbins to be produced with consistency.

Implementation Method 1

the first and second coupling elements are aligned with each other such that they exert a repulsive magnetic effect on one another

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic repulsion: Ion Repulsion/Attraction

Data Source

PatentEP4101800B1Work station of a textile machine
Publication Date: 2025.11.12 SAURER SPINNING SOLUTIONS GMBH & CO KG
  • EP4101800B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4101800B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4101800B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a thread storage unit (1) for a work station, in particular a spinning and/or winding station, of a textile machine, with a thread guide arm (2) pivotably mounted about a pivot axis (S), and a controllable drive unit (4) for reversing pivoting of the thread guide arm (2).In order to provide a thread storage unit which enables a particularly reliable, largely constant maintenance of the thread tension during the winding process, it is provided that the thread guide arm (2) is mounted to rotate freely and has a magnetically acting first coupling element (6) arranged at a distance from the pivot axis (S) and the drive unit (4) has a second magnetic coupling element (7) arranged transversely or about the pivot axis (S) relative to the first coupling element (6) and acting magnetically repulsively towards the first coupling element (6), which is arranged on the drive unit (4) in such a way as to be brought into operative connection with the first coupling element (6), wherein an adjustment of the second coupling element (7) in the direction of the first coupling element (6) causes a displacement of the first coupling element (6) in the same direction.