Racket String Tensioning System with Automatic Jaw Gripping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing racket string tensioning systems require manual operator intervention, leading to inefficiencies and increased risk of string breakage due to excessive gripping during the tensioning process.
Innovation Solution
A tensioning system comprising a traction module with jaws that are automatically gripped and translated by a motor-driven system, eliminating the need for manual string placement and reducing the risk of damage through a lever and elastic element mechanism for controlled jaw movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual operator intervention is used to place and grip the string in the tensioning system, then the operator can control the gripping process, but the operation speed decreases and the risk of string breakage increases due to excessive gripping
Solution Approach 1:
The tensioning system performs the gripping action automatically through the traction motor driving the jaws via transmission means, eliminating the need for manual operator intervention. The system serves itself by using the motor's translational movement to automatically close the jaws around the string, thereby increasing operation speed while maintaining consistent, controlled gripping force that prevents string breakage
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical operation of the operator is replaced by an automated motor-driven mechanical system. The traction motor translates along the rail and drives the jaws through transmission means (lever, connecting rods, elastic elements), substituting human manual manipulation with an automated mechanical system that provides both speed and precision, thus improving productivity while reducing string damage risk
2Loss of time
If the operator manually places the string in the grip and activates tensioning, then precise control over the process is achieved, but time is lost during each tensioning operation
Solution Approach 1:
The string is pre-positioned in the jaws before tensioning begins, and the transmission means are pre-configured to automatically drive the jaws closed when the motor translates. This preliminary arrangement eliminates the need for manual placement and activation during the tensioning process, significantly reducing the time required per operation while maintaining ease of use through automated execution
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically performs all steps of the tensioning process including string placement, jaw closing, and tension application through the motor-driven transmission means. The operator simply initiates the process, and the system completes the entire sequence without requiring manual manipulation at each step, thereby reducing time loss while preserving operational simplicity
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
Facilitates faster and more efficient stringing operations while minimizing string damage by automating the gripping process, allowing for uniform tensioning without manual manipulation.
Implementation Method 1
a rod mounted sliding in slots of the jaws such that the rotation of the rod drives the translation of the jaws... provided with an elastic element configured so that the gripping of the jaws takes place before the translation of the traction head on the rail
Data Source
AI summary
This system (S) for tensioning a racket string (C) comprises a traction module (1) suitable for exerting a traction force (T) on a string (C) of a racket, including a grip (3) comprising two opposite jaws (32) suitable for gripping the string (C) between them when it is tensioned, and a traction head (5) on which the grip (3) is mounted, the jaws (32) being translatable simultaneously relative to the traction head (5) and arranged such that the translation of the jaws (32) causes them to tighten around the string (C), a rail (7) on which the traction head (5) of the traction module (1) is mounted translatably, and a traction motor able to translate the traction head (5) of the traction module (1) on the rail (7), via a driving system (13). The system comprises means (15) for transmitting movement between the driving system (13) of the traction head (5) and the jaws (32), this transmission means being able to initiate the translation of the jaws (32) relative to the traction head (5) in the direction gripping the string (C).