Thread Dispensing Device with Reversible Shifting Unit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing thread dispensing devices for sausage-shaped product production lack adaptability to various applications and process parameters, often resulting in inefficient thread management and potential thread damage.

Innovation Solution

A dispensing device with a transport unit comprising cylindrical rollers, a drive unit, and a shifting unit, allowing for controlled and reversible thread transport, enabling precise thread feeding and cutting, and adaptable to different thread materials and diameters, with a control unit for programmable thread length and operation modes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional thread dispensing devices are used, then thread transport is achieved, but adaptability to various applications and process parameters is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to various applications and process parametersVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic adjustability through a shifting unit that allows reversible positioning of the first transport element relative to the second transport element. This enables the device to adapt to different thread diameters and material types while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure. The dynamic repositioning capability resolves the contradiction by providing versatility without requiring multiple dedicated devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs parameter changes by allowing adjustment of transport element positioning and operational parameters through the shifting unit and control unit. This enables the same device to handle various thread types and process requirements by changing operational parameters rather than replacing the entire device, thus improving adaptability while controlling complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If thread transport is performed with fixed transport elements, then device structure is simple, but thread damage may occur and precision is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethread feeding precisionVSAvoidtransport unit structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The shifting unit enables dynamic adjustment of the first transport element's position relative to the second transport element. This dynamic capability allows precise thread feeding by adapting to different thread types and preventing thread damage, while adding only moderate structural complexity through a reversible positioning mechanism rather than multiple fixed devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If thread dispensing device lacks shifting capability, then device operation is simple, but thread insertion and removal is difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethread insertion and removalVSAvoidtransport unit structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The shifting unit provides reversible positioning capability that facilitates easy thread insertion and removal. By allowing the first transport element to be shifted relative to the second, the device enables straightforward thread changes without complex mechanisms, improving ease of operation while adding only moderate structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Productivity

If conventional thread dispensing is used, then basic thread feeding is achieved, but productivity and reliability are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethread dispensing efficiencyVSAvoidoverall device structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a multi-functional transport unit that can handle various thread types, diameters, and material types through the shifting unit and controllable drive unit. This universal capability improves productivity by eliminating the need for multiple dedicated devices while adding moderate structural complexity through integrated adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit enables automated control of the drive unit and shifting unit, allowing the device to self-regulate thread dispensing parameters. This automation improves productivity and reliability while adding moderate complexity through control systems that manage the mechanical components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3473105B1Thread dispensing device
Publication Date: 2024.11.27 POLY CLIP SYST
  • EP3473105B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3473105B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3473105B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method and device for dispensing thread. The thread dispensing device comprises a transport unit 100 having at least a first and a second transport element 110, 120 for a defined transport of the thread, a drive unit 200 for driving the first and second transport element and a shifting unit 500 for reversibly shifting the first transport element relative to the second transport element. The present invention further relates to a clipping machine and a method for producing sausage-shaped products, wherein the clipping machine comprises the inventive device for dispensing thread.