Top Roll Loading Arm with Side-Mounted Load Display

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing top roller carrying and loading arms in spinning machine drafting systems do not allow for easy and quick recognition or checking of the set load on top rollers, especially when they are in operation or swiveled up, making it difficult to verify the correct loading of individual rollers.

Innovation Solution

A top roller support and loading arm with an adjustable display means that remains visible during operation, allowing for easy and quick verification of the set load on each top roller, regardless of its position or the position of the loading arm, using a display frame and display means that can be adjusted to show different load levels, and an adjustment element that converts rotational movement into linear movement for precise load adjustment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the operating lever covers the fastening screws and adjustment elements in the operating position, then the structural integrity and compactness are maintained, but the load setting becomes invisible and uncheckable during operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisibility of load settingVSAvoidstructure of loading arm
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent moves the scale and indicator from the top surface (covered by operating lever) to the side surface of the loading arm. This dimensional relocation allows the load indication to be visible from the side during operation, resolving the contradiction between structural compactness and visibility of load settings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The loading arm is divided into functional segments: the operating lever assembly for loading/unloading, and the side-mounted scale-indicator assembly for continuous visibility. This segmentation allows each component to perform its function independently without interfering with the other's visibility or operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Measurement precision

If the scale is placed next to the slot for adjusting screw movement, then the adjustment position can be read, but the reading becomes invisible when the loading arm is in the operating position

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereadability of load levelVSAvoidvisibility during operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The scale and indicator are repositioned from a top-view arrangement (next to the adjustment slot) to a side-view arrangement. This dimensional change ensures the load level reading remains visible from the side regardless of whether the loading arm is in the operating position or swiveled up, maintaining measurement precision and readability simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Device complexity

If a single display device shows the pressure value at the head end of the loading arm, then the display is simplified, but individual load settings of multiple rollers cannot be checked simultaneously

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay systemVSAvoidindividual load settings
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of a single centralized display, the patent implements individual scale-indicator pairs for each loading arm/roller position. Each unit independently displays its own load setting, eliminating information loss while keeping each individual display simple. This segmented approach allows simultaneous checking of all load settings without requiring a complex centralized system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 easy and quick verification of the correct load on top rollers at any time, without interrupting production, and allows for easy comparison of load settings across multiple rollers, ensuring accurate and consistent loading.

Implementation Method 1

the spring force acting on the upper rollers can be adjusted

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Implementation Method 2

a compression spring arranged obliquely to the plane of the drafting field, the effective spring length of which can be changed and fixed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Implementation Method 3

The load is adjusted using an adjustment tool that is inserted into the opening of an adjustment eccentric. The breakthrough of the adjustment eccentric has a shape that allows only a single assignment of the two parts in connection with the adjustment tool.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEccentric mechanism: Eccentric

Data Source

PatentEP1902165B1Top roll support and loading arm
Publication Date: 2013.03.06 OERLIKON TEXTILE COMPONENTS
  • EP1902165B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP1902165B1 patent drawingFigure 3~13
  • EP1902165B1 patent drawingFigure 7

AI summary

The top roll support and loading arm (1) for a spinning machine drawing frame comprises holding devices for holding the top rolls. At least one of the holding devices is assigned a spring element for loading the associated top roll. The loading takes place by means of a loading element which acts on the spring element and can be set by an adjusting element. The adjusting element is at least largely covered in the operating position of the drawing frame. There is an adjustable display means (25) for displaying the magnitude of the loading. The display means (25) can move relative to the top roll support and loading arm (1) and is coupled to the adjusting element in such a way that its position changes with the setting position of the adjusting element. The display means (25) is arranged such that it can be seen readily at any time, irrespectively of the position of the top roll support and loading arm (1).