In-Line Thread Treatment with Rotation for Even Coating Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing in-line thread treatment systems for devices like embroidery machines result in uneven coloring due to the bleeding of coloring substances around the thread circumference, as the droplets do not consistently cover the entire circumference.

Innovation Solution

A system with a treatment unit featuring nozzles at different longitudinal positions and a static thread engagement device that applies torque to the thread, causing it to rotate along its longitudinal axis, ensuring even distribution of the coating substance across the thread's circumference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a nozzle is arranged to colour a thread passing by, then the droplet hits the thread at a specific circumferential position, but the colour substance cannot bleed around the entire circumference resulting in uneven colouring

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecolouring uniformityVSAvoidcolouring process simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by rotating the thread around its longitudinal axis as it passes through the treatment unit. This rotation dynamically changes the circumferential position of the thread relative to the stationary nozzle, allowing the colour substance to be deposited at different angles and achieve more uniform distribution around the entire circumference of the thread.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-rotating the thread to a specific angular position before the droplet is dispensed. The rotation is controlled so that the thread presents the optimal circumferential surface to the nozzle at the moment of droplet release, ensuring consistent and uniform colouring across multiple passes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple pre-coloured threads are used to produce multi-coloured patterns, then colour variety is achieved, but the system complexity increases with multiple nozzles required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemulti-colour capabilityVSAvoidnumber of nozzles
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameter of thread orientation by rotating the thread around its longitudinal axis. This parameter change allows a single nozzle to deposit colour substance at different circumferential positions on the same thread, enabling multi-colour patterns to be created with fewer nozzles by varying the rotation angle and deposition timing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs periodic action by rotating the thread in a controlled manner as it passes through the treatment unit. This periodic rotation allows the same nozzle to sequentially deposit different colours at different circumferential positions during multiple rotation cycles, achieving multi-colour patterns without requiring multiple nozzles for each colour.

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 system achieves precise and even coating of the thread, enhancing the quality of the treatment by ensuring consistent coverage of the coating substance around the thread's periphery, allowing for accurate positioning and complex patterns.

Implementation Method 1

the at least one thread engagement device is configured to apply a torque to said at least one thread in order to initiate a rotation of the at least one thread

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTorque: Torque

Implementation Method 2

each nozzle being configured to dispense one or more coating substances onto the at least one thread when activated

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSurface tension and capillary action: Capillary Action

Data Source

PatentEP3458635B1A system for in-line treatment of thread
Publication Date: 2023.07.26 COLOREEL GRP AB
  • EP3458635B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3458635B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP3458635B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

A system for in-line treatment of at least one thread is provided. The system is configured to be used with a thread consuming device and comprises a treatment unit having a plurality of nozzles arranged at different positions relative the at least one thread, said at least one thread being in motion in use, each nozzle being configured to dispense one or more coating substances onto the at least one thread when activated; and at least one thread engagement device configured to rotate the at least one thread along its longitudinal axis as the at least one thread moves through said treatment unit.