Variable Position Thread Separation Device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for separating threads from a thread layer require multiple specialized needles for different thread diameters, leading to high costs and inefficiencies due to the need for precise notch manufacturing and frequent needle exchanges.

Innovation Solution

A device with a movable separating means, a movement device, a control device, and a detection device that uses variable relative coordinates to position the separating means for threads of varying diameters, allowing a single separating means to be used for threads of different thicknesses without the need for needle exchanges.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If multiple specialized separating needles are used for different thread diameters, then separation precision for specific thread sizes is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseparation precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a single separating needle that can handle multiple thread diameters through variable working positions. Instead of having separate specialized needles for different thread sizes, one needle with adjustable positioning can serve multiple functions, reducing device complexity while maintaining separation precision across various thread types

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamics by making the working position of the separating needle variable rather than fixed. The needle can be dynamically adjusted to different positions along the thread layer, allowing it to adapt to different thread diameters and separation requirements, thereby eliminating the need for multiple static specialized needles

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Manufacturing precision

If multiple specialized separating needles are used for different thread diameters, then separation precision for specific thread sizes is improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseparation precisionVSAvoidcost
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent reduces cost by implementing a universal separating needle that can process multiple thread diameters. This eliminates the need to manufacture and maintain multiple specialized needles, reducing production costs, inventory requirements, and maintenance expenses while preserving separation precision through adjustable positioning

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

3Adaptability or versatility

If needle exchanges are performed for different thread diameters, then adaptability to different thread sizes is improved, but productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidproductivity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves the contradiction between adaptability and productivity by implementing a dynamic positioning system for the separating needle. The needle remains in place while its working position can be quickly adjusted to different locations, allowing rapid adaptation to different thread diameters without the time-consuming process of physical needle exchanges, thereby maintaining both versatility and high productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Manufacturing precision

If precise notch manufacturing is performed on separating needles, then separation precision is improved, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseparation precisionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent reduces manufacturing complexity and cost by making the separating needle's effective separation point variable through positioning adjustments rather than requiring precise notches to be manufactured at different locations on multiple needles. A single needle with less stringent manufacturing tolerances can be positioned accurately to achieve the required separation precision, simplifying the manufacturing process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP1943380B1Device for separating threads from a layer of threads, and method for operating and using the device
Publication Date: 2009.05.13 STAEUBLI AG
  • EP1943380B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1943380B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1943380B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The device (1) is used to separate a quantity of threads (5.1) from a layer (5) of threads and has a moveable separating means (10), wherein the layer (5) of threads is composed of a plurality of threads arranged one next to the other. The device comprises a movement device (15, 4) for moving the separating means (10) relative to the layer (5) of threads, a control device (20) for controlling the movement device (15, 4) and a detection device (25) for detecting threads, wherein the detection device (25) permits a reference position (R) with respect to the layer (5) of threads to be detected, and the movement device (15, 4) can be controlled in such a way that the separating means (10) can be placed at an operating position (A) with respect to the layer (5) of threads and can carry out a separating movement (18) during which the separating means (10) is introduced at least partially between two adjacent threads. At least one relative coordinate (?) of the working position (A) with respect to the reference position (R) is a variable parameter of the control device (20), and at least one value for this relative coordinate (?) can be made available to the control device (20).