Winding Unit Bobbin Positioning Automation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing yarn winding machines require frequent and labor-intensive manual adjustments of the bobbin holding portion to accommodate different types and sizes of yarn feeding bobbins, leading to inaccuracies in aligning the yarn unwinding position, especially due to variations in bobbin inner diameters and shapes.

Innovation Solution

A winding unit with a defining member, drive portion, and controller that automatically adjusts the position of the yarn feeding bobbin using a motor and power transmission unit, including cams and elastic members, to simplify and automate the process, reducing operator load and component count.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual adjustment of the bobbin holding portion is used to accommodate different bobbin types, then the machine can handle various bobbin sizes and shapes, but the adjustment process becomes labor-intensive and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to handle different bobbin typesVSAvoidoperator burden during adjustment
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically detects bobbin characteristics and adjusts the holding portion position without operator intervention. The automated adjustment mechanism eliminates manual operation while maintaining adaptability to different bobbin types, directly resolving the contradiction between versatility and ease of operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the position parameter of the bobbin holding portion automatically based on detected bobbin characteristics. This automated parameter adjustment maintains adaptability to various bobbin types while eliminating the labor-intensive manual adjustment process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual adjustment of the bobbin holding portion is used for each winding unit, then each unit can be customized for different bobbins, but the adjustment time and labor cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecustomization capability for each unitVSAvoidadjustment time per unit
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The control system serves multiple winding units simultaneously with a single automated adjustment operation. The system can adjust multiple bobbin holding portions in sequence or parallel, providing customization for each unit while dramatically reducing the total adjustment time compared to individual manual adjustments

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs automatic detection and adjustment of bobbin holding portion positions before the winding process begins. This preliminary automated adjustment eliminates the need for time-consuming manual adjustments at each unit, reducing overall adjustment time while maintaining customization capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If the bobbin holding portion position is adjusted manually, then the operator can attempt to align the yarn unwinding position, but accurate alignment is extremely difficult due to bobbin individual differences

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment capabilityVSAvoidalignment accuracy of yarn unwinding position
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses sensors to detect the actual position of the yarn unwinding point and provides feedback to the control system. Based on this feedback, the system automatically adjusts the bobbin holding portion position to achieve precise alignment, overcoming the limitations of manual visual adjustment and bobbin individual differences

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces manual mechanical adjustment with an automated control system that uses detection and feedback mechanisms. This substitution enables precise alignment of the yarn unwinding position by eliminating human error and accounting for bobbin individual differences through automated measurement and adjustment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Manufacturing precision

If a complex adjustment mechanism is used to achieve precise bobbin positioning, then alignment accuracy can be improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebobbin positioning accuracyVSAvoidnumber of adjustment components
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system extracts the essential adjustment function to a simple linear movement of the bobbin holding portion along the bobbin's axis. By removing complex multi-axis adjustment mechanisms and focusing only on the critical positioning dimension, the system achieves sufficient alignment accuracy while minimizing device complexity and manufacturing cost

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 solution enables precise and efficient adjustment of yarn feeding bobbin positions based on the type and shape of the bobbin, improving operation efficiency and reducing manufacturing costs by minimizing manual intervention and component complexity.

Implementation Method 1

a pushing spring (defining elastic member) that acts an elastic force on the transmission shaft (85)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2388223B1Winding unit and yarn winding machine equipped with the same
Publication Date: 2013.06.05 MURATA MASCH LTD
  • EP2388223B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2388223B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2388223B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

To provide a winding unit in which a position of a yarn feeding bobbin at an unwinding position can be easily and accurately adjusted according to a shape and type of the yarn feeding bobbin. As means for achieving such an object, a winder unit (winding unit) (4) of the present embodiment includes a main axis member (80), a drive portion (200), and a stepping motor controller. The main axis member (80) defines a position of the yarn feeding bobbin. The drive portion (200) for driving to adjust a position of the main axis member (80) at the unwinding position where a yarn of the yarn feeding bobbin is unwound. The stepping motor controller controls a stepping motor (100) of the drive portion (200).