2D Sensor Grid for Homogeneous Thread Tension Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current sensor arrangements for detecting thread tension in textile production are costly, space-intensive, and inefficient, often requiring multiple sensors that can lead to inhomogeneous thread tensions and manufacturing errors due to incomplete measurement coverage.

Innovation Solution

A sensor arrangement featuring a two-dimensional grid of sensors on a printed circuit board with thread bushings, allowing for simultaneous measurement of multiple threads with reduced complexity and wiring, using movable elements and diverse sensor types to detect various physical parameters like tension, yarn count, and material properties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple individual sensors are used to measure all warp threads, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and installation space increase disproportionately

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethread tension measurement precisionVSAvoidsensor arrangement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor plate is divided into multiple sensor regions, each responsible for detecting specific threads. This segmentation allows comprehensive measurement of all warp threads while organizing the sensor system into manageable units, reducing overall complexity through modular structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from linear sensor arrangements to a two-dimensional sensor plate with grid-pattern thread passages. This dimensional change enables simultaneous measurement of multiple threads in parallel rows, dramatically increasing measurement capacity without proportionally increasing system complexity

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

2Measurement precision

If three-point sensors are used for individual thread measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but installation space and wiring requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindividual thread tension measurementVSAvoidinstallation space
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple sensor functions are merged into a single integrated sensor plate assembly. The plate combines thread guidance features, sensor mounting structures, and detection elements into one compact unit, eliminating the need for separate three-point sensor assemblies for each thread and significantly reducing installation space

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor plate serves multiple functions simultaneously: it guides threads through precisely positioned passages, provides mounting structures for sensors, and enables detection of multiple threads in parallel. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate devices into a single space-efficient unit

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If sensors are used on collective groups of threads, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision for individual threads is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor system complexityVSAvoidindividual thread parameter detection
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor plate is divided into multiple sensor regions, each responsible for detecting specific threads. This segmentation allows comprehensive measurement of all warp threads while organizing the sensor system into manageable units, reducing overall complexity through modular structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from linear sensor arrangements to a two-dimensional sensor plate with grid-pattern thread passages. This dimensional change enables simultaneous measurement of multiple threads in parallel rows, dramatically increasing measurement capacity without proportionally increasing system complexity

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

4Measurement precision

If multiple sensor devices are aligned parallel and offset to measure all threads, then measurement precision is improved, but installation space and technical effort increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomprehensive thread coverageVSAvoidinstallation space
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple sensor functions are merged into a single integrated sensor plate assembly. The plate combines thread guidance features, sensor mounting structures, and detection elements into one compact unit, eliminating the need for separate three-point sensor assemblies for each thread and significantly reducing installation space

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor plate serves multiple functions simultaneously: it guides threads through precisely positioned passages, provides mounting structures for sensors, and enables detection of multiple threads in parallel. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate devices into a single space-efficient unit

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 precise, cost-effective, and flexible measurement of thread parameters, ensuring homogeneous thread tension and quality control, reducing errors and operational complexity while allowing for real-time data processing and storage.

Implementation Method 1

the sensor being a strain gauge

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectStrain gauge measurement principle: Piezoresistive Effect

Implementation Method 2

the sensor being a capacitive sensor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitive sensing: Capacitance

Implementation Method 3

the sensor being an optical sensor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical sensing: Light

Data Source

PatentEP3767019B1Sensor arrangement for detecting at least one physical characteristic of a plurality of threads
Publication Date: 2022.08.10 HAHN SCHICKARD GESELLSCHAFT FUR ANGEWANDTE FORSCHUNG EV
  • EP3767019B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3767019B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3767019B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to a sensor arrangement for detecting at least one physical characteristic of a plurality of threads (10, 20, 30, 40) comprising a sensor plate (100) with a plurality of thread passages (110) arranged in a two-dimensional grid, wherein each thread passage (110) is assigned at least one sensor (11, 21, 31, 41) designed to detect the at least one physical characteristic of a thread (10, 20, 30, 40) passing through the thread passage (110). The invention further relates to a device with such a sensor arrangement and a method for detecting at least one physical characteristic of a plurality of threads (10, 20, 30, 40) using such a device.