Telescopic Suction Pipe for Yarn End Capture

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Solution Overview

Problem

Capturing and unwinding the yarn end from a bobbin, especially from wet flax, is challenging due to the sticky cellulose fibers that adhere to the bobbin surface, requiring complex and time-consuming manual processes to separate and insert the yarn into a tube for further processing.

Innovation Solution

A telescopic suction pipe with a mechanical yarn gripping device that grasps and pulls the yarn end from the bobbin, cutting it to the required length for stable insertion into the tube, utilizing photocells for detection and a processing unit to control the operation of the gripping and cutting mechanisms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional separation means (metal legs, wrinkled pads) are used to detach the yarn end, then the yarn end can be separated from the bobbin, but the process is time-consuming and complex due to the sticky cellulose fibers

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveyarn end separationVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical separation means (metal legs, wrinkled pads) with an automated suction system that uses negative pressure to extract the yarn end from the bobbin. The suction pipe with nozzle creates a controlled airflow field that overcomes the adhesive forces of sticky cellulose fibers, eliminating the need for manual mechanical separation operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention employs pneumatic principles by using a suction pipe connected to a vacuum source. The nozzle generates a controlled airflow that creates negative pressure, allowing the yarn end to be extracted from the bobbin surface. This pneumatic approach is more efficient than mechanical means for handling sticky, adherent materials like wet flax yarn.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Stability of the object's composition

If multiple binding windings and underwinding are present on the bobbin, then the bobbin structure is stable, but the yarn end capture becomes more difficult and requires special arrangements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebobbin structureVSAvoidyarn end searching station
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The suction nozzle is positioned to target and extract only the loose yarn end from the top of the bobbin, leaving the stable binding windings and underwinding structure intact. This selective extraction approach maintains bobbin structural integrity while simplifying the yarn end capture process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of operation

If the yarn has low moisture content, then the yarn is easier to handle, but the yarn becomes stiff and difficult to unravel; if the yarn has high moisture content (7%-9%), then the yarn is flexible, but the cellulose becomes slimy and sticky

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveyarn flexibilityVSAvoidcellulose adhesion
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The suction system creates a controlled airflow environment that prevents moisture accumulation on the yarn surface during extraction. The continuous airflow keeps the yarn relatively dry, reducing cellulose stickiness while maintaining flexibility, thus avoiding the harmful adhesive effects of high moisture content.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

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

Facilitates efficient and automated capture and insertion of the yarn end into the tube, reducing manual effort and processing time, even with difficult-to-handle yarns like wet flax, by ensuring a consistent and reliable mechanism for unwinding and cutting the yarn to the appropriate length.

Implementation Method 1

a suction pipe (20) which can be brought into contact with the surface of the bobbin (S) in order to lift the yarn end (P)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Implementation Method 2

The gripping device mechanically clasps the yarn detached from the bobbin and pulls it to a certain length

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 3

A cutting device, mounted in the suction pipe, provides for cutting the yarn after a length thereof has been extracted

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical cutting: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP3225576B1Apparatus for capturing the yarn end of a bobbin
Publication Date: 2020.04.01 SAVIO MACCHINE TESSILI SPA
  • EP3225576B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3225576B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3225576B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A telescopic suction pipe (20) comprises an upper stationary pipe (21) and a vertically slidable lower pipe (22). The upper stationary pipe is provided with a yarn cutting device (25) and with a photocell (24) for detecting the presence of a yarn inside the suction pipe. A mechanical yarn gripping device (28) is mounted in the lower pipe (22). A linear actuator (30) causes the lower pipe (22) to slide telescopically along the upper stationary pipe (21).