Multipoint Textile Machine LED Light Bar Workstation Status

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing textile machines with multiple workstations struggle to clearly and efficiently display various operating states and batch allocations to operators, leading to unnecessary movements and downtime due to limited visibility of operating states.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of an LED light bar system, where sections of the bar are assigned to individual workstations, allowing for the display of yarn batch and operating states using a variety of colors and flashing frequencies, enabling clear identification from a distance and reducing the need for manual intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If traditional display means (signal lights, yarn cleaner) are used to indicate operating states, then the displays are visible to operators, but the displays cannot clearly distinguish between different operating states and batch allocations, leading to operator confusion and unnecessary movements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclarity of operating state informationVSAvoidoperator ability to identify workstation status

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent assigns different colors to different operating states (green for running, yellow for paused, red for fault) and different batch allocations, enabling operators to instantly distinguish workstation status and batch information from a distance without confusion

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The LED light bar is divided into multiple segments corresponding to different workstations, with each segment capable of displaying different colors and patterns to indicate specific operating states and batch allocations for that workstation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Measurement precision

If operators walk to each workstation to check operating states, then they can obtain accurate information, but this results in unnecessary movements and time loss

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of operating state informationVSAvoidtime for operator movement

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The LED light bar serves as an intermediary visual communication system between the workstations and operators, conveying accurate operating state information through colors and patterns, eliminating the need for operators to physically approach each workstation to check status

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Stability of the object's composition

If workstations remain at rest until operators detect issues, then production continuity is maintained, but downtime increases due to delayed detection of operating problems

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduction continuityVSAvoidmachine effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides continuous visual feedback through the LED light bar, immediately notifying operators of operating states and issues through color changes and flashing patterns, enabling rapid intervention to maintain production continuity while minimizing downtime

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

4Loss of information

If detailed display information is provided at each workstation, then operators can identify specific issues, but the display complexity increases making it difficult to overview multiple workstations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetail of operating state informationVSAvoiddisplay system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a standardized color code system where different colors represent different operating states and batch allocations, providing detailed information through simple, intuitive color changes that are easy to understand at a glance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses different flashing frequencies and patterns to indicate different types of information or urgency levels, allowing detailed information communication through simple temporal patterns rather than complex visual displays

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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 LED light bar system enhances operator visibility, reduces downtime, and optimizes task execution by allowing operators to quickly identify and address issues, minimizing unnecessary movements and improving overall machine effectiveness.

Implementation Method 1

The display means are designed as an LED light bar, a section of the LED light bar is assigned respectively to a workstation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight Emitting Diode: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentUS11198956B2Multipoint textile machine

Publication Date: 2021.12.14 SAURER SPINNING SOLUTIONS GMBH & CO KG

AI summary

A textile machine with a plurality of similar workstations as well as display means and a central control device, wherein the display means is connected to the central control device and/or a workstation control device. The textile machine comprises a display means, which is designed as an LED light bar, a section of the LED light bar is assigned respectively to a workstation, and the LED light bar displays the respectively produced yarn batch and/or operating states of the respective workstation.