Yarn Feeder Brake Reference Position Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing yarn feeders require downstream yarn tension sensors for feedback, making them expensive and potentially causing yarn deviation, which negatively impacts textile machine quality and fabric quality.

Innovation Solution

A yarn feeder system that determines a reference position for an electrically settable yarn brake without a downstream yarn tension sensor, using methods such as manual input, distance/position sensors, drive current sensors, or deformation sensors to establish a known braking force, allowing remote control of the braking force.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a downstream yarn tension sensor is used for feedback control, then the yarn tension can be precisely controlled, but the system cost increases and yarn deviation occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveyarn tension control precisionVSAvoidsystem cost and complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and eliminates the downstream yarn tension sensor from the system by using an upstream reference position determination method. The reference position is established before yarn processing, allowing brake force control without continuous tension feedback, thus removing the problematic sensor while maintaining control capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention performs preliminary action by determining and storing the reference position of the brake element before actual yarn processing begins. This pre-established reference allows the system to control brake force based on positional displacement from the reference point rather than requiring real-time tension measurement, eliminating the need for downstream sensors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If a downstream yarn tension sensor is used, then yarn tension feedback is available, but yarn deviation over the sensor probe occurs causing quality issues

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveyarn tension feedback reliabilityVSAvoidyarn deviation and quality impact
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention removes the downstream yarn tension sensor from the yarn path entirely. By using upstream reference position determination, the system achieves tension control without the sensor probe that causes yarn deviation, thereby eliminating the harmful effect while maintaining control reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces a reference position as an intermediary parameter. Instead of directly measuring yarn tension with a physical sensor that contacts the yarn, the system uses the positional relationship between the brake element and the spool body as an indirect measure, eliminating direct yarn-sensor contact and its associated harmful effects.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If remote control of braking force is implemented, then operational flexibility increases, but a reference position determination mechanism is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremote control capabilityVSAvoidreference position determination system
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention performs the reference position determination as a preliminary one-time action during system setup or startup. This reference is stored and then used for all subsequent remote control operations, providing operational flexibility without requiring complex continuous determination mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-service by automatically determining and storing its own reference position without requiring external intervention or complex external reference systems. The brake element's contact position with the spool body is inherently available and can be used as the reference point.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

Enables predictable and repeatable electrically set braking force without the need for a downstream yarn tension sensor, reducing system costs and yarn deviation, thereby improving textile machine productivity and fabric quality.

Implementation Method 1

The braking force is controllable by an electrically driven motor or actuator for driving the yarn braking element towards respectively from the spool body

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

The yarn braking element will provide a braking force acting on a yarn withdrawn from the spool body, when forced against the spool body

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3414378B1Yarn feeder with electrically settable yarn brake
Publication Date: 2020.10.14 VANDEWIELE SWEDEN AB
  • EP3414378B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3414378B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3414378B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Described are, among other things,methods and devices that set a reference position for a braking element (16) used in a yarn feeder(10). The methods and devices as described herein makes it possible to know exactly the position when the braking of the yarnstarts to act and thereby establish a reference position that is known by a system that then sets the desiredbraking force electronically based on the reference position. Hereby it is possibleto have a predictable and repeatable electrically set braking force without making use of a downstream yarn tension sensor.