Spool Thread Free-End Attachment With Hooked-Needle Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for managing the free end of a spool thread require human intervention or additional elements, leading to inefficiencies and potential operational hazards in industrial settings.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a support means, a needle with a hook and opening/closing mechanism, and axial pivoting and shifting mechanisms to automate the attachment of the free end of the spool thread to a turn on the spool, forming a loop that can be easily released.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual intervention is used to attach the free end of the thread by inserting it between two turns to realize a slipknot, then the free end is securely attached to prevent detachment and safety hazards, but human intervention is required for each spool creating a bottleneck in industrial production
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic attachment of the free end of the thread to the spool through a mechanized device that performs the attachment operation without human intervention. The device includes a support means for the spool, a needle with hook that can be positioned axially, and mechanisms for axial pivoting and shifting to automatically create the attachment, allowing continuous industrial production while maintaining secure attachment
Solution Approach 2:
A needle with a hook acts as an intermediary tool to attach the free end of the thread to the spool. The needle penetrates the thread and spool surface, and the hook engages with the thread to create a secure connection, enabling automated attachment while maintaining reliability
2Extent of automation
If additional elements such as stickers or sleeves are added to attach the free end of the thread, then the free end is secured without manual intervention, but additional waste production occurs at the final destination
Solution Approach 1:
The solution removes the need for additional attachment elements like stickers or sleeves by directly attaching the free end of the thread to the spool using only the thread itself. The mechanized needle and hook system creates an attachment that uses no extra materials, eliminating waste production at the final destination while maintaining automation
Solution Approach 2:
The thread attaches itself to the spool through the automated needle and hook mechanism, without requiring external attachment elements. The system uses the thread's own structure and the spool's surface to create the attachment, eliminating the need for additional materials that would become waste
3Device complexity
If the free end of the thread is left unattached on the peripheral surface of the spool, then no additional elements or manual intervention is needed, but the free end is likely to detach during handling and moving operations
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically performs the attachment operation without requiring manual intervention or complex additional elements. A mechanized needle with hook securely attaches the free end to the spool through automated positioning and engagement, maintaining system simplicity while ensuring attachment stability
Solution Approach 2:
The needle with hook serves as an intermediary mechanism that bridges the free end of the thread and the spool surface. It penetrates and engages both components to create a secure attachment, preventing detachment during handling while adding minimal complexity to the system
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a system for fastening the free end of a thread of a spool, the system including a support means for a spool, a needle having at its end a hook associated with a mechanism for opening/closing the hook, the needle being oriented along an axis substantially parallel to the axis of the spool, a mechanism for axial pivoting and axial translation of the needle, and a retaining mechanism in position of a turn of the thread of the spool.