Linear Motor Thread Guide Reversal With Collision Cushioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing thread guiding systems struggle to achieve high-speed and precise thread winding while minimizing energy consumption and preventing thread slippage or breakage during spool reversal.

Innovation Solution

A thread guiding system with collision elements that absorb and release collision energy, controlled by a computing unit to optimize thread guide position and speed, ensuring precise reversal movements and energy efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the thread guide is made lightweight and the linear motor drive power is increased to achieve rapid and precise movement, then the speed and precision of thread guide movement are improved, but the energy consumption increases and the system becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprecision of thread guide movementVSAvoidenergy consumption of linear motor
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces collision elements with spring elements that are positioned in advance at reversing regions. These springs absorb collision energy during thread guide reversal, cushioning the impact before it reaches the motor system. This allows the linear motor to operate more efficiently during reversal phases, reducing peak power requirements and energy consumption while maintaining precise control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The collision elements act as intermediary components between the thread guide and the linear motor during reversal operations. The spring elements in these collision elements mediate the energy transfer, absorbing and releasing collision energy to assist the motor during direction changes. This intermediary mechanism reduces the energy burden on the linear motor while maintaining precise reversal control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Speed

If the thread guide is made lightweight for rapid movement, then the speed of thread guide is improved, but the thread guide becomes more susceptible to thread slippage and breakage during reversal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespeed of thread guideVSAvoidthread integrity during reversal
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Spring elements are positioned in advance at reversing regions to cushion the collision during thread guide reversal. This cushioning effect reduces sudden deceleration forces that could cause thread breakage, while the lightweight thread guide maintains high speed capability during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts parameters during reversal by introducing collision elements with spring elements. These springs change the mechanical parameters (force, acceleration) during reversal phases, reducing peak forces on the thread while maintaining overall system speed performance through the lightweight thread guide design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If collision elements are added to support reversal movement, then the precision and control of reversal are improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprecision of reversal movementVSAvoidcomplexity of thread guiding system
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The thread guiding system is segmented by adding discrete collision elements at specific reversing regions rather than complexifying the entire system. Each collision element is a relatively simple component with spring elements, positioned strategically to provide precision control only where needed during reversal, leaving the rest of the lightweight thread guide design intact.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Speed

If the linear motor drive power is increased for rapid movement, then the speed of thread guide is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespeed of thread guideVSAvoidmanufacturing cost of system
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By adding relatively simple spring elements in collision elements at reversing regions, the system reduces the peak power requirements of the linear motor during reversal. This allows the use of a less powerful (and less expensive) linear motor while still achieving the required speed performance, thereby reducing manufacturing cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 high-speed, precise thread winding with minimized energy expenditure by dynamically adjusting the reversal process to match spool diameter changes, preventing thread derailment and breakage.

Implementation Method 1

the stator having a longitudinal extension and being configured to generate a traveling magnetic field along its longitudinal extension

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTraveling magnetic field: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

a force can be exerted on the force coupling means and thus on the thread guide by means of the traveling magnetic field

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLorentz force: Lorentz Force

Implementation Method 3

each collision element being provided with a means for receiving and releasing collision energy

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCollision energy absorption: Impact Force

Data Source

PatentEP4541746B1Thread guiding system for guiding a thread
Publication Date: 2026.02.25 LUNATONE INDUSTRIELLE ELEKTRONIK GMBH
  • EP4541746B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4541746B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to a thread guiding system (1) for guiding a thread (2) for winding the thread (2) onto a spool (3a), wherein the thread guiding system (1) comprises: - at least one electric linear motor (4) with a stator (4a), wherein the stator (4a) has a longitudinal extension (4aL) and is configured to generate a traveling magnetic field along its longitudinal extension (4aL), - at least one thread guide (5), wherein the thread guide (5) is configured as a rotor of the at least one electric linear motor (4) and comprises at least one magnetically effective force coupling means (5b', 5b"), such that a force can be exerted on the force coupling means (5b', 5b") and thus on the thread guide (5) by means of the traveling magnetic field, thereby making the thread guide (5) movable along the longitudinal extension (4aL) of the stator (4a).wherein a first reversing region (4U1) and a second reversing region (4U2) opposite the first reversing region (4U1) are formed along the longitudinal extension (4aL) of the stator (4a) for reversing the direction of movement of the thread guide (5), wherein the thread guide (5) has a guiding means (5a) for guiding a thread (5).