Winding Machine Thread Catching Nozzle Suction Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Thread catching nozzles in winding machines can become clogged with dirt and thread remnants, leading to functional failures that may go undetected, resulting in inferior quality winding packages.

Innovation Solution

A method to check the functionality of thread catching nozzles by presenting a free thread end to the nozzle and monitoring its suction, using existing sensors and devices like cleaners and thread monitors to detect thread presence and absence, ensuring early detection of faults and maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If thread catching nozzle operates continuously with suction, then thread ends are effectively caught and held, but thread loops may be inadvertently sucked in during thread joining process

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethread catching reliabilityVSAvoidthread joining operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamic control of the suction effect by switching between active suction during normal operation and inactive state during thread joining. The thread catching nozzle transitions from a static always-on component to a dynamically controlled element that activates only when needed, resolving the contradiction between reliable thread catching and seamless thread joining operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If thread catching nozzle is subjected to negative pressure continuously, then dust and dirt particles are effectively removed, but the nozzle may become clogged with thread remnants

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedust extraction effectivenessVSAvoidnozzle maintenance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic action by applying negative pressure continuously during normal operation to remove dust and dirt, then temporarily discontinuing suction during thread joining and breakage events. This periodic activation pattern maintains effective dust extraction while preventing thread remnants from accumulating and clogging the nozzle, thereby reducing maintenance complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Ease of operation

If thread catching nozzle suction is deactivated during thread joining, then thread loops are prevented from being sucked in, but thread ends may not be caught effectively after breakage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethread joining smoothnessVSAvoidthread end catching
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs feedback control through sensors that detect thread breakage events and automatically reactivate the suction effect of the thread catching nozzle. This feedback mechanism ensures that the nozzle remains inactive during normal thread joining to prevent loops from being sucked in, but immediately activates when thread breakage is detected, maintaining effective thread end catching without compromising operation smoothness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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

This method allows for simple and reliable verification of thread catching nozzle functionality, preventing undetected failures and ensuring the production of high-quality winding packages by identifying and addressing any issues promptly.

Implementation Method 1

a thread catching nozzle (23), which is arranged adjacent to the path of the thread, is subjected to negative pressure and exerts a suction effect on the thread running in front of its mouth

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNegative pressure suction: Suction

Data Source

PatentEP2338818B1Procedure for operating a workstation of a winding machine and workstation of a winding machine
Publication Date: 2013.07.31 OERLIKON TEXTILE GMBH & CO KG
  • EP2338818B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The method involves pressurizing thread collectors (23, 37) with low pressure, and exerting suction effect on threads (30) that run from openings (31, 42) of the collectors. Another thread is supplied after bobbin disconnection of the collectors, and a free thread end is generated at the supplied thread with a distance to the openings. Suction of the free thread end into the collectors is monitored, and presence of the thread in the collectors is detected. The thread is placed in a thread detection unit (15) that is formed as a cleaner. An independent claim is also included for a workstation comprising a controller.