Racquet Stringing Machine Automated Threading Position Detection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional racquet stringing machines are manually operated and lack the ability to automatically detect the current threading position, resulting in low production efficiency and requiring operators to manually adjust string tension for different hitting positions.

Innovation Solution

A racquet stringing machine equipped with a sensing unit, including a rotary encoder, direction sensor, or image capturing unit, that automatically detects the threading position by measuring angular displacement or direction changes, generating a control signal to guide the string pulling device for precise tensioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual operation is used to thread the racquet frame, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity is lowered due to inability to automatically detect threading position

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduction efficiencyVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The racquet stringing machine automatically detects the current threading position using a sensing unit and autonomously controls the string pulling device without requiring manual intervention for position identification, thereby improving productivity while maintaining reasonable device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with an automated sensing and control system that uses sensors to detect threading positions and electronically controls the string pulling device, substituting human labor and manual mechanical control with automated systems to enhance productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual adjustment of string tension is performed for different hitting positions, then the adaptability is improved, but the loss of time increases due to repeated manual adjustments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different hitting positionsVSAvoidtime for manual adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The sensing unit continuously monitors the threading position and provides feedback to the control system, which automatically adjusts the string pulling device parameters according to the detected position, enabling adaptive tensioning for different hitting positions without manual intervention and reducing time loss

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system pre-establishes the relationship between threading positions and optimal string tensions, allowing the control unit to automatically retrieve and apply the appropriate tension settings when each position is detected, eliminating the need for manual adjustment during the stringing process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If automated sensing is implemented to detect threading position, then the productivity is enhanced, but the device complexity increases due to additional sensing units and control systems

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduction efficiencyVSAvoidcomplexity of sensing and control system

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sensing unit and control system are designed to perform multiple functions: detecting threading position, identifying hitting positions, and controlling string tension adjustments, thereby achieving automation and improved productivity without proportionally increasing device complexity through multi-functional integration

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 automated string tensioning, enhancing production efficiency by accurately adjusting string tension for optimal performance across different hitting positions, reducing operator effort and improving racquet performance.

Implementation Method 1

the sensing unit includes a rotary encoder surrounding the rotating shaft for measuring an angular displacement of the rotation of the rotating shaft to be converted into the present threading position of the string

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAngular displacement measurement:

Implementation Method 2

the sensing unit includes a direction sensor or a gyro sensor disposed on the racquet frame for measuring the amount of change in the direction of the racquet frame with the rotation of the rotating shaft to be converted into the present threading position of the string

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDirection sensing:

Data Source

PatentUS10486035B2Racquet stringing machine

Publication Date: 2019.11.26 ELDING IND

AI summary

A racquet stringing machine includes a base, a clamp device for clamping a racquet frame, and a string pulling device. The clamp device has a turntable and a clamping portion. The turntable includes a rotating shaft pivotally connected to the base. The clamping portion is fixed on the turntable. The string pulling device is disposed at one side of the clamp device for tightening a string passing through the racquet frame and rotating the turntable according to a threading position. The base is provided with a sensing unit electrically connected to the string pulling device for sensing the present threading position of the string and for generating a control signal to control the string pulling device to pull the string.