Pipe Coupling Structure for Non-Parallel Yarn Suction Couplers

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing coupling devices face difficulties in coupling when the axes of the male and female couplers are not parallel, leading to potential clogging issues, especially in yarn sucking systems where yarns can get caught or clogged due to valve structures or narrow passages.

Innovation Solution

A coupling device design featuring a first and second coupler with a cylindrical ring member, seal ring, and bias mechanism, where the ring member is biased towards the first coupler, allowing for adjustable attitude to ensure contact and communication between the couplers even if their axes are not parallel, and a retainer to prevent removal, facilitating smooth yarn passage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a valve is provided in the passage to close the passage when decoupled, then the passage is sealed, but the passage becomes narrow and yarns are likely to be caught or clogged

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepassage sealingVSAvoidyarn clogging
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention removes the valve component from the passage entirely. Instead of using a valve to seal the passage, the coupling device uses a simple open passage structure that allows yarns to pass through freely without any valve-induced narrowing or catching points.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The sealing function is separated from the passage structure. Rather than having a valve inside the passage, the sealing is achieved through the coupling mechanism itself (female coupler receiving male coupler) which maintains an open, unobstructed passage for yarn flow.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If the axis of the male coupler is not parallel to the axis of the female coupler, then coupling flexibility is needed, but it becomes difficult to insert the male coupler into the female coupler

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoupling angle adaptabilityVSAvoidcoupling insertion
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The female coupler is designed with a movable base that can shift horizontally, allowing the coupler to dynamically adjust its position to accommodate angular misalignment between male and female couplers during the coupling process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The movable base acts as an intermediary element between the male and female couplers, absorbing the angular mismatch and enabling successful coupling even when the coupler axes are not parallel.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If the passage is narrow due to the valve, then the valve can close the passage, but yarn clogging occurs easily

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepassage closureVSAvoidyarn flow efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The valve is completely removed from the passage. The passage is designed to remain open and unobstructed, allowing yarns to flow through efficiently without any valve-induced restrictions or clogging points.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling mechanism serves dual functions: it provides passage closure when decoupled through the female coupler receiving the male coupler, while simultaneously maintaining an open, wide passage for efficient yarn flow when coupled, eliminating the need for a separate valve component.

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

Enables reliable coupling of non-parallel couplers and prevents clogging, ensuring efficient yarn passage and reduced operational complexity in yarn sucking systems by maintaining airtightness and flexibility in the coupling mechanism.

Implementation Method 1

a bias mechanism, and a sealing member. The ring member is engaged on an outer side of the second cylinder body with a gap, and is movable in an axial direction of the second cylinder body. The bias mechanism biases the ring member toward the first cylinder body

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4224048B1Coupling device
Publication Date: 2024.10.09 TMT MACHINERY INC
  • EP4224048B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4224048B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4224048B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

To provide a coupling device suitable for arrangement in a pipe connected to a yarn sucking device and capable of coupling paired couplers if axes of the couplers are not parallel to each other. A first coupler 83 includes a first cylinder body 91. A second coupler 84 includes a second cylinder body 92 facing the first cylinder body 91, a cylindrical ring member 93 engaged on an outer side of the second cylinder body 92 with a gap, and movable in an axial direction of the second cylinder body 92, a seal ring 95 arranged between the second cylinder body 92 and the ring member 93, and a bias mechanism 96 biasing the ring member 93 toward the first cylinder body 91. A ring member 94 is provided on an end face of the first cylinder body 91. One coupler 84 is moved toward the other coupler 83, and an end face of the ring member 93 contacts the end face of the first cylinder body 91 via the sealing member 94, whereby an inner passage of the first cylinder body 91 is brought into communication with an inner passage of the second cylinder body 92.