Movable Suction Port for Thread End Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing thread search devices for cross-wound bobbins in textile machines require significant space due to the need to move the entire suction nozzle, which can be cumbersome and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A method where a stationary suction nozzle with a movably arranged suction port is used, allowing the suction port to change distance from the cross-wound bobbin to locate and stretch the thread end, reducing space requirements by only moving the suction port relative to the bobbin, and incorporating a thread handling element for further processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the entire suction nozzle is moved to locate the thread end, then the thread end can be detected and located, but the space required and device complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethread end detection accuracyVSAvoidspace required for suction nozzle movement
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The suction nozzle is divided into a stationary body and a movable suction opening (or movable suction tube portion). Only the suction opening or the suction tube needs to move, not the entire nozzle assembly. This segmentation reduces the space required for movement while maintaining thread end detection capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The movable component (suction opening or suction tube) is extracted from the stationary suction nozzle body. This allows the critical functional element to move independently with minimal space requirements, while the main nozzle structure remains fixed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Ease of operation

If a movable suction nozzle is used to locate the thread end, then the thread can be detected and tensioned, but the device complexity and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethread end location and tensioning capabilityVSAvoidcomplexity of suction nozzle movement mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the suction nozzle into stationary and movable parts, the complexity of moving the entire nozzle is reduced to moving only the suction opening or tube, simplifying the overall mechanism while maintaining operational capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The suction opening movement mechanism is integrated into the suction nozzle structure itself, allowing the system to perform the movement function with minimal external complexity. The movable suction opening can be actuated by simple mechanisms inherent to the nozzle design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If the suction nozzle is positioned close to the cross-wound bobbin for thread detection, then precise thread end location is achieved, but interference with other machine parts increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethread end detection precisionVSAvoidinterference with other machine parts
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The segmented design allows only the suction opening to be positioned close to the bobbin for precise detection, while the main nozzle body remains in a position that does not interfere with other machine parts. This spatial separation reduces harmful interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The movable suction opening can extend in a specific dimension (toward the bobbin) independently of the nozzle body position, allowing precise approach to the thread end without the entire nozzle interfering with other machine components in different spatial dimensions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

This design minimizes space usage, allows precise thread end location, and automates the sequence from search to processing, being gentle on the thread and reducing interference with other machine parts.

Implementation Method 1

If a yarn end needs to be located on the cross-wound bobbin, a suction nozzle is pressurized with a vacuum, and the yarn end is drawn into the suction nozzle through a suction opening

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVacuum: Vacuum

Data Source

PatentEP3241794B1Method for handling a yarn end and winding station
Publication Date: 2020.04.15 RIETER INGOLSTADT GMBH
  • EP3241794B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP3241794B1 patent drawingFigure 1c~2a
  • EP3241794B1 patent drawingFigure 2b~2c

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method for handling a thread end (10) of a cross-wound bobbin (2) at a winding station (1) of a cross-wound bobbin production textile machine, wherein the cross-wound bobbin can be held and driven in a bobbin holder (3), a thread (6) is laid crosswise on the cross-wound bobbin by means of a changing device (5), and a suction nozzle (7; 12) is subjected to a vacuum, and the thread end is drawn into the suction nozzle through a suction opening (8; 13). According to the invention, it is proposed that the suction opening be moved relative to the suction nozzle so that the distance between the suction opening and the cross-wound bobbin is changed in order to locate the thread end and/or to be able to stretch it between the suction opening and the cross-wound bobbin, and that the stretched thread is moved to a unit (9) of the textile machine for further processing.Furthermore, the invention relates to a winding station of a textile machine producing cross-wound bobbins (2) with a bobbin holder (3), a changing device (5) and a suction nozzle (7; 12) that can be pressurized with negative pressure, with a suction opening (8; 13) movably arranged on the suction nozzle in order to locate a thread end (10) and/or to be able to stretch it between the suction opening and the cross-wound bobbin, and with a thread handling element (8; 13; 16; 18) in order to be able to move the stretched thread (6) to a unit (9) of the textile machine for further processing.