Semiautomatic Thread-Clamping Device for Yarn Testing

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing yarn testing devices require significant manual effort and time for loading yarn samples, with operators needing to align and clamp each sample manually, which is inefficient and prone to errors.

Innovation Solution

A semi-automatic yarn changing device with a clamping device featuring yarn entry eyelets and clamps arranged in a line, allowing for perpendicular insertion and linear transport, along with an active opening mechanism for reliable clamping and automatic insertion into the testing path.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If yarn samples are inserted manually into traditional yarn changing devices, then the operator can load yarn samples, but the process requires significant time and effort for alignment and clamping

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of yarn sample insertionVSAvoidtime for loading yarn samples
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the insertion direction from parallel to the front plane (traditional) to perpendicular to the clamping plane. The yarn entry eyelet and clamps are arranged on a clamping line, and yarn samples are inserted in a direction perpendicular to this clamping plane, fundamentally altering the operational dimension and simplifying the loading process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The yarn entry eyelet and clamps are pre-positioned on a clamping line with predetermined spacing, creating a ready-to-receive configuration before yarn insertion. This preliminary arrangement eliminates the need for manual alignment during the loading process, as the clamping structure is already positioned to accept yarn samples directly

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If multiple yarn samples are clamped at adjacent clamping points, then batch testing is enabled, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebatch testing capabilityVSAvoidcomplexity of clamping device
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The clamping device is divided into multiple independent clamping points (first, second, third, and fourth clamping points) arranged along the clamping line, each capable of independently clamping a yarn sample. This segmentation allows batch testing of multiple yarn samples while maintaining a relatively simple modular structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple clamping points are combined into a single clamping device structure with a common support element. The yarn entry eyelets and clamps at different clamping points are integrated along the clamping line, enabling batch processing without requiring separate devices for each yarn sample

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

This design significantly reduces the time and effort required for loading yarn samples, ensuring precise and reliable clamping and automatic introduction into the testing path, enhancing the efficiency and reliability of the yarn testing process.

Implementation Method 1

a tension spring (57) which exerts said force on the hinge (55)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Implementation Method 2

a pneumatic plunger (64) which, when the opening device (6) is actuated, presses against the hinge (55)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPneumatic pressure: Pressurisation

Data Source

PatentEP3164707B1Semiautomatic thread-changing device for a thread-testing device
Publication Date: 2019.04.03 USTER TECHNOLOGIES AG
  • EP3164707B1 patent drawingFigure 1~8
  • EP3164707B1 patent drawingFigure 2~9
  • EP3164707B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The semiautomatic thread-changing device (2) for providing a plurality of thread samples (9) for testing in a thread-testing device comprises a clamping device (3) with a plurality of clamping points (4) for clamping the thread samples (9). Each clamping point (4) includes a thread inlet eye (41) and two thread clamps (42, 43). The thread inlet eye (41) and the two thread clamps (41, 42) lie spaced apart from one another substantially on one clamping upright (40). The clamping uprights (40) of all clamping points (4) lie in one clamping plane (201). The thread inlet eye (41) and the thread clamps (42, 43) of each clamping point (4) are configured in such a way that the thread sample (9) is insertable into the thread inlet eye (41) and the thread clamps (42, 43) in an insertion direction (202) which runs substantially perpendicular to the clamping uprights (40) and perpendicular to the clamping plane (201). In addition, the thread-changing device (2) includes a transport device for transporting (76) the clamping device (3). The invention facilitates the insertion of the thread samples (9) into the thread-changing device (2).