Service Robot Vertical Linear Guides Ring Spinning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current ring spinning machines require manual operation due to limited workspace and complexity in service robot design, leading to increased weight, cost, and operational inefficiencies, especially with short distances between spinning stations.

Innovation Solution

A service robot with a 3D yarn handling device and yarn threading device mounted on vertical linear guides, interconnected with controllable drives, allows for vertical reversible displacement and efficient yarn handling, threading, and end searching, reducing weight and cost while increasing operational speed and versatility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a service robot is used to resume spinning operations automatically, then productivity and operational efficiency are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespinning operation efficiencyVSAvoidservice robot complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The service robot is divided into multiple independent service mechanisms (yarn end searching device, yarn threading device, cop handling device, etc.), each performing a specific function. These segmented mechanisms can be independently controlled and maintained, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high productivity through coordinated operation of multiple specialized components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The service robot employs universal vertical linear guides that can support and displace multiple different service mechanisms along the same vertical path. This multi-functional guide structure allows the robot to service various spinning stations with different requirements using a standardized platform, improving productivity without proportionally increasing device complexity

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate drive members and clamping elements are used for each service mechanism, then operational versatility is improved, but weight and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice mechanism functionalityVSAvoidservice robot weight
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple service mechanisms share common vertical linear guides and drive systems. The first and second vertical linear guides, along with their associated drives, serve multiple service mechanisms simultaneously. This merging of common infrastructure reduces the total weight of the service robot while maintaining the ability to perform diverse servicing operations through coordinated control of the shared components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If vertical guides and toothed belts are used to move service mechanisms, then operational control is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice mechanism controlVSAvoidguide and drive system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The vertical linear guides serve as universal support and displacement structures for multiple different service mechanisms. The same guide infrastructure accommodates the yarn end searching device, yarn threading device, and cop handling device, reducing the need for separate guidance systems for each mechanism and thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining precise operational control

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

Data Source

PatentEP3987090B1A service robot for a ring spinning machine, a ring spinning machine and a method of operation of a service robot
Publication Date: 2023.11.15 RIETER CZ AS
  • EP3987090B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3987090B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3987090B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention is directed to a service robot (1) for a ring spinning machine for yarn production having a vertical frame (12) which is provided with a first vertical linear guide (120) and a second vertical linear guide (121). On the first vertical linear guide (120) a vertically reversibly displaceable 3D yarn handling device (13) and a vertically reversibly displaceable yarn threading device (16) are arranged and interconnected with a controllable drive and a control device (2). On the second vertical linear guide (121) a vertically reversibly displaceable cop handling device (14) and a vertically reversibly displaceable yarn end searching device (15) are arranged and interconnected with a controllable drive and a control device (2).