Thread Feeler Lever Positioning on Holding Rail

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing thread feeding devices for knitting machines lack a simple and reliable method to fasten and position thread feelers, leading to inefficient detection of thread breakages and safe machine shutdown.

Innovation Solution

A thread feeding device with a thread feeler lever that can be arbitrarily positioned along a holding rail, utilizing a non-contact position transmitter and sensor system, including a mechanical transmission element or reed contacts, to detect thread breakages and trigger a shutdown signal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If thread feelers are fastened to the holding rail with complex electrical connections, then thread breakage detection reliability improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethread breakage detection reliabilityVSAvoidelectrical connection complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex electrical connection systems with a mechanical sensing system. Thread feelers with levers mechanically interact with the holding rail structure to detect thread breakages through positional changes, eliminating the need for complex electrical connections while maintaining detection reliability

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a mechanical intermediary system consisting of thread feeler levers and positioning elements on the holding rail. These intermediaries translate thread presence/absence into mechanical positional changes that can be detected without direct electrical connections, simplifying the overall system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If thread sensors are positioned at fixed locations on the housing, then manufacturing precision improves, but adaptability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor positioning precisionVSAvoidsensor positioning flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the static, fixed sensor positioning into a dynamic system where thread feelers can be freely positioned along the holding rail. The feelers maintain stable operational positions through mechanical interaction with the rail structure, combining positioning flexibility with operational stability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The holding rail is designed with universal positioning capability, allowing thread feelers to be placed at any location along its length. The rail structure provides consistent mechanical reference points that work regardless of the specific positioning location, enabling both adaptability and manufacturing simplicity

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

3Reliability

If multiple thread feelers are installed at different positions, then thread breakage detection coverage improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethread breakage detection coverageVSAvoidmulti-sensor system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple thread feeler systems into a unified mechanical detection framework. All feelers interact with the common holding rail structure, creating a coordinated system where multiple sensing points work together through shared mechanical principles rather than independent complex systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 simple and reliable indication of thread breakages, ensuring safe machine shutdown by detecting thread tension changes without the need for complex electrical connections, allowing for flexible positioning of thread sensors and robust operation.

Implementation Method 1

a non-contact position transmitter (34, 40) which interacts with a position sensor (41, 44-49) on or in the support rail (11) or on or in the housing (4)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field interaction: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentEP2115196B1Thread delivery device having an improved stop element
Publication Date: 2016.12.07 MEMMINGER IRO GMBH
  • EP2115196B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2115196B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2115196B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The thread delivery device (1) according to the invention has a holding rail (11), in or on which a transfer element (34) is mounted movably. Said transfer element (34) detects actuation of at least one of a plurality of thread sensors (17) in an equal and preferably magnetic manner. The thread sensors (17) can be arranged in any desired position and number on the holding rail (11). The transfer element is deflected from its rest position when one of the thread sensors is actuated, that is to say its thread sensor lever moves into the actuated position. The deflection of the transfer element is detected by a switching device (42) and can be indicated by way of a signal lamp (15).