Yarn Package Dyeing with Sequential Flow and Bath Recirculation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional machines for dyeing reels of yarn face issues with high energy consumption, non-uniform dye distribution, and reduced pump capacity due to the need for high flow rates and differential pressures, especially when dealing with delicate materials, leading to poor dyeing uniformity and increased costs.

Innovation Solution

A machine that selectively and sequentially supplies dyeing fluid to groups of reels, combined with recirculation mechanisms to maintain dye and temperature uniformity, using a centrifugal pump for intermittent flow and an axial pump for agitation, reducing energy requirements and pump capacity while ensuring uniform dye distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If high flow rate and high differential pressure are used to ensure uniform dye distribution, then dyeing uniformity is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedyeing uniformityVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic action by sequentially activating different groups of reel-holder rods in alternating cycles. Instead of continuously supplying dyeing fluid to all reels simultaneously, the system divides reels into multiple groups and supplies fluid to one group at a time in periodic intervals, reducing peak flow rate requirements while maintaining uniform dye distribution through repeated exposure cycles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the total population of reel-holder rods into multiple separate groups, each connected to the dyeing fluid supply through distinct pathways. This segmentation allows the circulation pump to serve smaller groups sequentially rather than all reels simultaneously, reducing the required flow rate and differential pressure while achieving uniform dyeing across all reels over time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If high flow rate is used to pass through difficult materials like polyester or cotton, then dyeing effectiveness is improved, but pump power requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedyeing effectivenessVSAvoidpump power
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

For difficult-to-dye materials, the system uses periodic action by repeatedly cycling the dyeing fluid through the reels in sequential groups. This allows sufficient time for dye penetration during each exposure phase while reducing peak power requirements compared to continuous high-flow operation, as the pump only needs to maintain adequate flow during active dyeing phases rather than continuously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by ensuring that each group of reels receives adequate dyeing fluid exposure and saturation before moving to the next group. This preliminary saturation approach allows the use of lower pump power during each sequential phase, as the dye has sufficient time to penetrate the material thoroughly during the extended exposure period of each cycle.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Power

If selective and sequential supply to small groups of reels is used, then pump capacity requirements are reduced, but dye bath circulation uniformity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepump capacityVSAvoiddye bath circulation uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges two distinct functions: an internal recirculation mechanism that continuously circulates dyeing fluid within the dyeing chamber to maintain uniform temperature and concentration, and external sequential supply systems that deliver fluid to different groups of reels. This combination allows reduced pump capacity for reel supply while maintaining bath uniformity through the separate internal recirculation function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary internal recirculation system that acts as a mediator between the dyeing fluid reservoir and the sequential reel supply groups. This intermediary mechanism continuously mixes and redistributes the dyeing fluid within the chamber, ensuring uniform concentration and temperature are maintained throughout the bath even as fluid is selectively supplied to different reel groups at different times.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Manufacturing precision

If high number of dye bath refills per minute is executed to ensure temperature and colour uniformity, then dyeing uniformity is improved, but electricity consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedye bath uniformityVSAvoidelectricity consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses periodic action with extended exposure cycles, where each group of reels receives prolonged dyeing fluid exposure during sequential activation. This reduces the frequency of complete bath refills needed, as each sequential group undergoes thorough dyeing during its active phase, thereby reducing electricity consumption associated with frequent pump operations while maintaining uniform dyeing results.

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 solution achieves superior dyeing uniformity, reduces energy consumption, and maintains dye bath characteristics, allowing for efficient dyeing of both delicate and robust materials with lower operational costs and reduced pump capacity.

Implementation Method 1

using a centrifugal pump for intermittent flow

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Implementation Method 2

using a centrifugal pump for intermittent flow and an axial pump for agitation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAxial flow:

Data Source

PatentEP2659042B1Machine and procedure for the dyeing of reels of yarn and/or textile fibres wound on packages
Publication Date: 2015.02.25 INNOVATION & RES
  • EP2659042B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2659042B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

This invention relates to a machine (1) for the dyeing of reels of yarn (8) and of textile fibres wound on packages. The machine (1) comprises: a structure (2) that delimits a chamber (3) at least partially or fully filled with at least a dyeing fluid (4); support means (6), in particular at least one support plate (6), immersed in the dyeing fluid (4); a plurality of reel- holder rods (7) that communicate via the fluid with the support means (6) to allow the dyeing fluid (4) to pass between the latter; recirculation means (9) for the dyeing fluid (4) associated with the structure (2) to initiate the transit of the dyeing fluid (4) in accordance with at least one set route. The recirculation means (9) comprise an initial recirculation mechanism (10) interposed between the chamber (3) and the support plate (6) to induce the dyeing fluid (4) to pass through the reel-holder rods (7). The first recirculation mechanism (10) comprises a pump (10a) and respective selection mechanisms (12) to channel the dyeing fluid through the support means (6), the reel-holder rods (7) and the respective reels (8), on an intermittent basis. The recirculation means (9) comprise a second recirculation mechanism (11), to induce the transit of the dyeing fluid (4) within the chamber (3) in accordance with at least one closed route.