Yarn Feed Interface Unit for Textile Machine Tension Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for managing yarn feed to textile machines at constant tension and/or velocity are limited by the need for digital outputs, compatibility issues with older machines, and require complex programming and intervention in the machine's operation, making it difficult to modify set points and achieve graduated compression effects in articles like stockings.
Innovation Solution
A microprocessor-based interface unit connects to multiple feed devices via a serial line, using synchronization signals from the textile machine to manage and modify yarn tension and velocity, allowing for flexible programming and operation independent of the machine's resources and protocols, enabling easy management of feed devices on any textile machine.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If digital outputs are used to manage feeder set points, then programming flexibility is improved, but device complexity and cabling requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary interface unit that acts as a mediator between the feeder devices and the textile machine control system. This interface unit receives synchronization signals from the machine and distributes appropriate control commands to multiple feeders, eliminating the need for direct digital output connections from the machine to each feeder. This resolves the contradiction by providing programming flexibility through the interface unit's software control while reducing cabling complexity by using a single serial communication line instead of multiple digital output connections.
2Ease of operation
If multiple digital outputs are provided for each feed device, then independent control capability is improved, but machine complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the interface unit to handle multiple feeders through a single serial communication line. The interface unit can independently control each feeder's set point, tension, and velocity parameters through software programming, while requiring only one synchronization signal input from the machine. This multi-functional approach allows independent control capability without requiring multiple digital outputs from the machine, thereby reducing machine complexity.
3Reliability
If chain programming is used to manage feeders, then machine integration is improved, but operational complexity and intervention requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The interface unit serves as an intermediary that simplifies the operational interface between the operator and the feeder control system. Instead of requiring operators to directly program and intervene in the machine chain for feeder control, the interface unit provides a user-friendly interface where operators can define tension profiles and velocity parameters. The interface unit automatically translates these high-level commands into precise timing signals synchronized with the machine's rotation, eliminating the need for detailed chain programming knowledge while maintaining reliable machine integration.
4Measurement precision
If precise timing signals are required for feeder commands, then control precision is improved, but compatibility with variable machine velocities decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by using synchronization signals from the machine's rotation system to dynamically adjust feeder command timing. The interface unit receives feedback signals indicating the machine's current rotational position and speed, and automatically adjusts the timing of feeder commands to maintain precise synchronization. This feedback mechanism allows the system to adapt to variable machine velocities while maintaining accurate command signal timing, resolving the contradiction between precision and velocity adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for managing the feed of a plurality of yarns at constant tension and/or velocity to a textile machine of circular, loom or yarn preparation type, the yarns being fed to the machine by a corresponding plurality of feed devices. Setting controller is provided, connected to the plurality of devices and arranged to set their operation, the setting controller receiving synchronization signals from the machine and measuring on the basis of these signals every portion of an article production cycle, the cycle being divided into different stages, the setting controller acting on each individual feed device on the basis of the stages such that each feed device feeds the respective yarn with predefined tension and/or velocity individual to each of the stages.