Yarn Feeder Spacer Device with Yielding Joint

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing accumulation yarn feeder systems with spacer devices are expensive to manufacture due to costly vulcanization processes required for assembly, which complicates the assembly process.

Innovation Solution

A spacer device with a hollow body joint featuring internal and external annular portions with slots and ribs, allowing for easy assembly without vulcanization, using a yielding intermediate portion and clamping means to secure the hub and fingers to the drum, facilitating oscillating motion for yarn spacing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If vulcanization process is used to assemble annular elements to central tubular portion, then assembly is facilitated and structural integrity is improved, but manufacturing cost increases and assembly complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the costly vulcanization process from the assembly method and replaces it with a mechanical interference fit system. The annular elements are designed with an outer diameter that is slightly larger than the inner diameter of the central tubular portion, allowing assembly through pure mechanical insertion without chemical bonding processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a simple mechanical interference fit system that is cheaper to manufacture than vulcanization. The annular elements and central tubular portion are designed as simple molded plastic components that assemble through dimensional compatibility, eliminating the need for expensive vulcanization treatments and processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Ease of operation

If vulcanization process is used to assemble annular elements to central tubular portion, then assembly is facilitated, but assembly process becomes more complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly easeVSAvoidassembly process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the complex vulcanization process from assembly and replaces it with a simple mechanical insertion operation. The annular elements are designed with dimensions that allow them to be inserted into the central tubular portion through pure mechanical means, significantly simplifying the assembly process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the chemical vulcanization system with a mechanical interference fit system. The assembly is achieved through dimensional compatibility and mechanical insertion rather than chemical bonding, making the process simpler and more straightforward.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If fingers are connected to drum by partially yielding joint, then oscillating motion is allowed while blocking rotation, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemotion control capabilityVSAvoidjoint structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by designing the joint with different structural characteristics in different regions. The central tubular portion has a cylindrical shape for rotational freedom, while the annular elements have radial protrusions that engage with corresponding slots in the drum to prevent rotation. The yielding material provides local flexibility to allow oscillating motion while maintaining overall structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 reduces manufacturing costs and simplifies assembly while maintaining effective yarn spacing and tension control, ensuring smooth yarn unwinding from the drum.

Implementation Method 1

an intermediate portion (48) which is yielding in a longitudinal direction and is substantially rigid in torsion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The bush has an external cylindrical surface that has an axis that is oblique with respect to the axis of the driving shaft and is engaged by the internal ring of the bearing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Data Source

PatentEP3945150B1Accumulation yarn feeder provided with a spacer device for separating the loops of yarn wound on the drum

Publication Date: 2023.01.25 L G L ELECTRONICS SPA

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AI summary

Motorized winding means (16) wind loops of yarn on a drum (12). A spacer device (20) is provided with a series of fingers (26) which have an oscillating motion that produces the advancement of the loops of yarn. The fingers (26) are connected to the drum (12) by a partially yielding joint (33) which prevents the rotation of the fingers (26) and allows the oscillating motion. A hollow body (34) of the joint (33), provided in one piece, has an internal annular portion (36) which engages the drum (12) in a per se axially free and rotationally integral manner, an external annular portion (40) which engages the fingers (26) in a per se axially free and rotationally integral manner, and an intermediate portion (48) which is yielding in a longitudinal direction and is substantially rigid in torsion.