Thread Brake With Flexible Spring-Supported Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thread brakes struggle to efficiently allow knots and irregularities to pass through while maintaining a consistent brake force, due to high inertia of actuators and varying thread thickness, which leads to force peaks and potential thread breakage.
Innovation Solution
A thread brake design featuring a flexible, elongate second brake element supported by a spring system, allowing it to move and accommodate knots or irregularities while maintaining a controlled brake force, with low-inertia actuators and adjustable force distribution along the thread length.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If high-inertia actuators are used to maintain stable brake force, then brake force stability is improved, but the ability to quickly accommodate knots and irregularities deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The brake system is divided into two independent brake elements (first brake element with high-inertia actuator for stable brake force, second brake element with low-inertia actuator for quick response). This segmentation allows each element to perform its specific function without interfering with the other, resolving the contradiction between stability and responsiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the inertia parameter of the actuators by using different inertia values for different brake elements. The first actuator has high inertia for stable brake force, while the second actuator has low inertia for quick response to knots and irregularities, allowing the system to optimize both stability and speed simultaneously.
2Strength
If brake force is increased to prevent thread breakage, then thread strength is improved, but the ability to allow knots to pass through deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the brake elements dynamic by allowing the second brake element to move independently in response to knots and irregularities. This dynamic adjustment enables the system to maintain adequate brake force for thread strength while automatically adapting to knots by reducing local pressure, preventing thread breakage.
Solution Approach 2:
The second brake element acts as an intermediary between the thread and the first brake element. When a knot is detected, the second brake element moves to accommodate the knot, distributing the brake force and preventing excessive localized stress that would cause thread breakage.
3Manufacturing precision
If the second brake element is made rigid to maintain alignment, then alignment precision is improved, but the ability to accommodate thread irregularities deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making only the second brake element flexible and movable, while the first brake element remains relatively rigid for maintaining overall alignment. This localized flexibility allows the system to accommodate knots and irregularities without compromising the overall alignment precision of the brake system.
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
Enables smooth passage of knots and irregularities without significant force peaks, maintaining a consistent brake force and preventing thread breakage, with improved alignment and reduced impact load on the thread.
Implementation Method 1
the second brake element is of flexible and elongate design and is distributedly supported along its length by a spring system
Implementation Method 2
the first brake element is displaceable and can be forced against the second brake element by the at least one actuator in order to brake a thread
Implementation Method 3
the first brake element is displaceable and can be forced against the second brake element by the at least one actuator in order to brake a thread
Data Source
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AI summary
Method and thread brake comprising a first brake element (40), a second brake element (60) and at least one actuator (41; 84, 85), wherein the first brake element (40) is displaceable and can be forced against the second brake element (60) by the at least one actuator (41; 84, 85) in order to brake a thread (3, 4, 5), and wherein the second brake element (60) is of flexible and elongate design and is distributedly supported along its length by a spring system (61).