Spinning Machine Master Terminals for Multi-Station Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing spinning or winding machines with multiple work stations require operators to be present at each station for manual control, which is inefficient and prone to issues like battery-dependent wireless terminal failures and interference.

Innovation Solution

Implementing multiple input terminals that can function as master terminals, allowing operators to control all work stations individually and remotely, with priority inputs sent to a central or decentralized control unit, and display devices for real-time feedback, eliminating the need for constant operator presence and addressing wireless connectivity issues.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If operators control work stations from individual locations, then operator presence is required at each station, but this reduces operational efficiency and increases time loss

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperator presence requirementVSAvoidoperational efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements master terminals that can be located at different positions along the spinning or winding machine, with each master terminal capable of controlling multiple work stations. This multi-functional design allows a single operator to control multiple stations from one location, eliminating the need for operators to physically present at each workstation while maintaining full control capability.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces master terminals as intermediary devices between operators and work stations. These master terminals serve as control interfaces that mediate the interaction between operators and multiple work stations, allowing remote control without requiring direct physical presence at each station. The master terminal acts as a mediator that transmits control signals to multiple work stations simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If wireless hand-held terminal devices are used, then operator mobility is improved, but battery dependency and wireless transmission issues arise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperator mobilityVSAvoidterminal reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the control system into multiple fixed master terminals distributed along the machine, each serving specific work stations. This segmentation replaces the need for a single mobile wireless terminal with multiple localized control points, eliminating battery dependency and wireless transmission issues while maintaining operator accessibility to all work stations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple input terminals are designed to serve as master terminals, then control flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol flexibilityVSAvoidterminal system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the functionality of multiple master terminals into a unified control system where each terminal can serve as a master terminal for different work stations. This merging of functions allows any terminal to take on the master role as needed, providing control flexibility without requiring entirely separate systems for each control point. The terminals share common control logic and communication protocols, managing complexity through standardization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3517470B1Method for operating a spinning or winding machine
Publication Date: 2022.12.14 MASCHINENFABRIK RIETER AG
  • EP3517470B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for operating a spinning or winding machine (1) with a plurality of identical workstations (2) and several input terminals (3) arranged in the area of ​​the workstations (2), wherein at least one input terminal (3) serves as the master terminal (4) at least temporarily, and wherein commands for operating several of the workstations (2) are entered via the master terminal (4). According to the invention, it is proposed that different input terminals (3) serve as the master terminal (4) at different times. Furthermore, a spinning or winding machine (1) with a plurality of identical workstations (2) and several input terminals (3) arranged in the area of ​​the workstations (2) is proposed.