Optical Sensor Mode Switching for Textile Machine Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current textile machines require additional sensors and communication devices for extended sensing and communication capabilities, leading to increased complexity and space requirements, especially in compact machines like ring spinning machines.
Innovation Solution
A method to control sensors and optical signalling means on textile machines to switch between primary and secondary operating modes, allowing existing sensors and signalling elements to perform additional functions without physical additions, by using a control and evaluation device to manage the switching and operation of these elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional sensors and communication devices are added to extend sensing and communication capabilities, then the sensing and communication capabilities are improved, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling existing optical sensors and signalling means to perform multiple functions through mode switching. The same physical component serves both its primary function (e.g., detecting traveller movement or providing visual information) and secondary functions (e.g., communication protocols, operator activity transmission) without requiring additional hardware. This resolves the contradiction by improving adaptability while maintaining device complexity at acceptable levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics through temporal separation of functions. The control and evaluation device switches between different operating modes of the optical elements based on operational requirements. During normal operation, sensors detect physical states; during communication phases, the same sensors transmit data through controlled light field changes. This dynamic reconfiguration allows extended capabilities without permanent hardware additions, addressing the complexity constraint.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional sensors and communication devices are added to extend sensing and communication capabilities, then the sensing and communication capabilities are improved, but the space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
By making existing optical components universal through multi-functionality, the patent eliminates the need for separate dedicated communication devices and additional sensors. The same physical space housing the original sensors and signalling means accommodates all functions including communication, thereby improving adaptability without increasing space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges communication functions with existing optical sensing and signalling systems. Instead of placing separate communication devices at each workstation, the system combines data transmission capabilities into the existing optical infrastructure, consolidating multiple functions into unified components and reducing overall space occupation.
3Ease of operation
If additional sensors or signalling devices are added at each workstation, then the communication and interaction capabilities are improved, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables existing optical sensors and signalling means at each workstation to serve dual purposes: their original functions plus operator activity communication. By switching modes based on operational state, the system achieves improved ease of operation through better communication capabilities without adding hardware complexity at each workstation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its existing optical infrastructure to serve communication needs without requiring external additional devices. The sensors and signalling means essentially communicate with themselves through controlled mode switching, eliminating the need for separate communication hardware at each workstation and reducing overall system complexity.
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 the extension of sensing and communication capabilities without adding new devices, simplifying operator interactions and machine control, particularly beneficial in space-constrained environments like ring spinning machines, by repurposing existing sensors and signalling means for secondary functions.
Implementation Method 1
optical sensors of the movement of a traveller on a workstation are normally installed, which monitor a light field whose optical properties are influenced by the passage of the traveller through a particular point or area on the ring
Implementation Method 2
Any yarn breakage or incorrect speed are signalled by an optical LED to the operator of the machine or to the service robot
Data Source
AI summary
A method controls a device configured on a textile machine, wherein the device is one or both of (1) a sensor of physical quantities having a primary function in a primary operating mode to detect a state at a workstation of the textile machine; or (2) an optical signaling device having a primary function in a primary operating mode to provide visual information about a state of a workstation, group of workstations, or the textile machine. The method includes targeted switching of the device to a secondary operating mode wherein the device performs a secondary function that is different from the primary function. After performance of the secondary function, the device is switched back to the primary operating mode.