Textile Service Carriage Positioning via Laser Scanner
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing positioning devices for service carriages in textile machines are complex, prone to mechanical wear, sensitive to dirt, and lack precision, leading to inaccurate centring and increased maintenance needs.
Innovation Solution
A positioning device with a position transducer, such as an absolute multi-turn encoder, integrated into the carriage handling means, which uses a laser scanner for centring and allows for automatic compensation of wear and dirt effects, enabling precise and reliable positioning without the need for frequent maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional transmitter/receiver positioning devices with radio frequency or laser scanners are used, then positioning capability is achieved, but device complexity and sensitivity to dirt increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex optical/electronic positioning systems (transmitters, receivers, laser scanners, barcodes) with a simple mechanical position transducer integrated into the carriage handling means. This mechanical system uses a stop on the carriage that engages with a seat on the unit, providing reliable positioning without the complexity and dirt sensitivity of optical systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the positioning function from complex external positioning devices and integrates it directly into the carriage handling means through a simple position transducer. This integration eliminates the need for separate transmitters, receivers, and optical components, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining positioning reliability.
2Manufacturing precision
If mechanical centring systems with stops and seats are used, then positioning is achieved, but mechanical wear and dirt accumulation occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical centring system with an optical laser scanner that reads a reference element on the unit. This optical system eliminates mechanical contact and wear while providing precise centring. The laser scanner detects the position of the reference element without physical engagement, avoiding dirt accumulation in kinematic mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a laser scanner as an intermediary between the carriage and the unit for centring operations. Instead of direct mechanical contact between carriage and unit, the laser scanner mediates the centring process by optically detecting the reference element position, thereby eliminating wear and dirt issues associated with mechanical contact.
3Strength
If elastic structures are used to support the service carriage, then carriage support is achieved, but positioning accuracy decreases due to elastic deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a position transducer that provides feedback on the actual position of the carriage. This feedback allows the control system to compensate for any elastic deformation of the support structure, maintaining positioning accuracy despite the use of elastic structures for carriage support.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces reliance on rigid mechanical structures with an integrated position transducer system that can detect and compensate for deformation. The transducer monitors position continuously, allowing the control system to adjust for elastic deformation in real-time, maintaining accuracy without requiring completely rigid support structures.
4Ease of operation
If dedicated drives and electrical equipment are added for positioning, then positioning control is improved, but system complexity and stress on drives increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the positioning function with the existing carriage handling means by integrating a position transducer into the handling mechanism. This integration allows the same drive system that moves the carriage to also provide positioning control, eliminating the need for separate dedicated positioning drives and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the carriage handling means multi-functional by integrating the position transducer into the existing handling mechanism. The handling means now serves both the primary function of moving the carriage and the secondary function of precise positioning, eliminating the need for separate positioning drives and electrical equipment.
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
The solution provides reliable, precise, and low-maintenance positioning, reducing operational disruptions and increasing productivity by integrating the position transducer within the carriage handling means and using a laser scanner for centring, thus minimizing the impact of dirt and wear.
Implementation Method 1
uses a laser scanner for centring
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
A positioning device (12) for a service carriage (14) of a textile machine (16) comprising at least two operating units (18). The positioning device (12) comprises: handling means (15) for moving the service carriage (14) along said textile machine (16); positioning means (34) for positioning the service carriage (14) at an operating unit (18); and a control unit (40) operatively connected to said handling means (15), and to the positioning means (34). The positioning means (34) comprise at least one position transducer (38), for positioning the service carriage (14) with respect to an operating unit (18). The position transducer (38) is operatively connected to the control unit (40). The control unit (40) is configured to operate the handling means (15) to move said at least one service carriage (14) at an operating unit (18) by the positioning means (34).