Pivoting Balloon Control Ring for Yarn Repair Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional balloon constriction rings for ring spinning machines lack an integrated actuating mechanism that allows simultaneous opening or closing, impede the doffing process, and do not facilitate easy fixing of yarn breakages during spinning.
Innovation Solution
A balloon constriction ring design featuring two half-rings with forks and teeth, where a rear plate with teeth can be connected to a lever or pinion for manual or automatic opening, allowing the ring to be opened or closed during different operating positions, and having a smaller diameter than the cop, with components made from materials like polyamides, PEEK, or steel overmoulded with plastic.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the balloon constriction ring is designed as a fixed closed structure, then the balloon remains stable during spinning, but the operator cannot access the yarn to repair breaks and the doffing process is impeded
Solution Approach 1:
The balloon constriction ring is designed with two half-rings that can pivot relative to each other about a pivot axis, transforming the structure from static to dynamic. This allows the ring to switch between a closed constricting position (maintaining balloon stability) and an open position (allowing operator access for yarn repair and doffing operations).
Solution Approach 2:
The balloon constriction ring is divided into two separate half-rings that can move independently relative to each other. This segmentation allows one half-ring to remain stationary while the other pivots open, providing selective access to the balloon while maintaining structural integrity when closed.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional balloon constriction rings are used, then the balloon is constricted effectively, but the actuation mechanism cannot be easily integrated into the machine and cannot lock the ring in different positions
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating mechanism is integrated by attaching it directly to one of the half-rings, merging the function of opening/closing with the half-ring structure itself. This eliminates the need for separate complex actuation systems and allows compact integration into the existing machine structure.
Solution Approach 2:
A pivot axis serves as an intermediary element that enables the half-ring to rotate between closed and open positions. The pivot axis provides a simple mechanical connection point that allows controlled movement while maintaining structural support, and can be combined with locking mechanisms to hold positions.
3Reliability
If the balloon constriction ring has a larger diameter to accommodate the cop, then it provides better support, but it obstructs the opening process and interferes with doffing
Solution Approach 1:
The balloon constriction ring is designed with a smaller diameter than the cop and can pivot open dynamically. This allows the ring to provide adequate support when closed (maintaining balloon shape) while clearing the doffing path when opened, eliminating the obstruction problem of larger fixed-diameter rings.
Data Source
Figure 1~2b
Figure 3a~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a balloon control ring (11) which is arranged between a thread guide and a ring traveller in a ring spinning machine (1). Advantageously, said balloon control ring consists of two half rings (12), wherein the two half rings (12) are pivotably mounted in such a manner that said ring can be opened or folded up. The two half rings (12) may comprise a fork (14), in addition to the bearing, each of which is guided around the bearing (13), and may comprise engagement means (15) located behind the bearing (13) which engage in each other. The balloon control ring (11) may be opened by a lever (16) or a pinion (18). The invention also relates to a corresponding ring spinning machine (1).