Yarn End Detection Mechanism for Textile Bobbins

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for automated detection of yarn ends on bobbins, especially after yarn breakage, face challenges with short free ends or ends trapped in packages, leading to low detection reliability and high energy consumption due to strong vacuum requirements.

Innovation Solution

A method and device using a movable carrier surface and a bar to capture the yarn end from the bobbin, guiding it between the bar and the carrier surface, and then using a suction nozzle with lower vacuum to draw the yarn end into a defined position, enhancing detection reliability and reducing energy consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If strong vacuum is supplied to the suction nozzle to detect the yarn end, then the yarn end can be detected and taken to a defined position, but the energy consumption increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveyarn end detection reliabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The detection process is divided into two distinct phases: first, the movable means with carrier surface mechanically captures and transports the yarn end to the suction nozzle; second, a weakened vacuum (compared to conventional strong vacuum) is applied to draw the yarn end into the nozzle. This segmentation allows the high-reliability mechanical capture to replace the need for strong vacuum, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining detection reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The movable means with carrier surface performs preliminary action by approaching the bobbin surface, capturing the yarn end, and transporting it to the suction nozzle before the vacuum is applied. This preliminary mechanical preparation eliminates the need for strong vacuum during the actual detection phase, thus reducing energy consumption while ensuring reliable yarn end detection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If strong vacuum is used to suck the yarn end from the rotating bobbin, then the yarn end can be detected, but short free ends or ends trapped in the package cannot be successfully detected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveyarn end detection reliabilityVSAvoidability to detect short or trapped yarn ends
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The detection system is segmented into a mechanical capture component (movable means with carrier surface) and a suction component (suction nozzle with weakened vacuum). The mechanical capture component can physically engage with and transport even short or trapped yarn ends that strong vacuum cannot lift, thereby improving adaptability while maintaining detection reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The movable means with carrier surface acts as an intermediary between the bobbin surface and the suction nozzle. It mechanically bridges the gap by capturing and transporting yarn ends (including short or trapped ones) to the suction nozzle, where a weakened vacuum then completes the intake. This intermediary mechanism overcomes the limitation of strong vacuum systems that cannot detect short or trapped ends.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If an excitation surface is used to excite the yarn end before suction, then the yarn end can be detected, but the package may be damaged and the suction air requirement increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveyarn end detection reliabilityVSAvoidpackage damage risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The harmful excitation surface contact is completely removed from the system. Instead of exciting the yarn end through contact with a textured surface, the invention uses a non-contact or minimal-contact movable means with carrier surface that transports the yarn end to the suction nozzle. This extraction of the harmful element eliminates package damage risk while maintaining detection reliability through the mechanical transport-suction combination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The movable means with carrier surface serves as a gentle intermediary that transports the yarn end without damaging the package. Unlike the excitation surface that requires aggressive contact, this intermediary uses controlled movement and a weakened vacuum to achieve yarn end detection, thereby eliminating the harmful factor of package damage while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Substantially increases the reliability of yarn end detection on bobbins, including those with ends trapped in packages, while significantly reducing the vacuum intensity required, improving the effectiveness of the detection and capture process.

Implementation Method 1

a suction nozzle, whose suction mouth approaches the bobbin with the desired yarn end, whereby strong vacuum is supplied to the suction nozzle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVacuum suction: Suction

Implementation Method 2

the carrier surface is moving in a direction opposite to the direction of the movement of the surface of the package on the bobbin, whereupon the yarn end is captured and withdrawn from the bobbin by the movement of the movable means

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3548410B1Method for detecting the yarn end on a bobbin in a textile machine producing or processing yarn and a device for performing the method
Publication Date: 2021.04.07 MASCHINENFABRIK RIETER AG
  • EP3548410B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3548410B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3548410B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method and device for detecting the yarn (1) end on a bobbin (2) in a textile machine producing or processing yarn, especially after the interruption of winding due to a yarn (1) breakage, when after the breakage the bobbin (2) is approached by a suction nozzle (11), into which the yarn (1) end is sucked from the rotating bobbin. A bar (8) and a movable means (6) having a carrier surface (5) approach the surface (4) of the package (3) on the bobbin (2). The movable means (6) is moving in a different direction as the rotating bobbin (2), whereupon the yarn (1) end is captured and withdrawn from the bobbin (2) by the movement of the movable means (6) and the yarn (1) end is carried to the suction nozzle (11).