Yarn Insertion Device with Independent Gripper Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing yarn testing devices pose risks to operators due to large rotational arcs of swing arm insertion devices and cumbersome manual loading of yarn samples, which complicates the handling and introduction of yarn samples into the testing device.
Innovation Solution
A displaceable and rotatable yarn introduction device with independent displacement and rotation, featuring a gripper arm that can move parallel to the yarn path and rotate about an axis perpendicular to it, allowing for safer and more efficient handling of yarn samples, combined with a semi-automatic yarn changing device for simplified manual insertion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a swing arm yarn insertion device is used, then the yarn sample can be automatically introduced into the yarn path, but the large rotational arc creates safety risks for operators
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transitioning from a static swing arm mechanism to a dynamically adjustable gripper system. The gripper device can move along the yarn path and rotate about an axis perpendicular to it, allowing the insertion point to be optimized for both automation and safety. This dynamic positioning capability eliminates the need for large rotational arcs while maintaining automatic yarn introduction functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces motion in multiple dimensions: the gripper device moves parallel to the yarn path (first dimension) and rotates about an axis perpendicular to the yarn path (second dimension). This multi-dimensional movement capability replaces the single large-arc rotation of swing arm devices, achieving automatic yarn introduction through a more compact and safer motion path that operates within a smaller spatial envelope.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the yarn changer is fitted flush with the front of the yarn testing device, then the linear translational movement reduces injury risk, but the manual loading becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling the gripper device to move along the yarn path in addition to rotating. This dynamic positioning allows the yarn changer to be positioned optimally for both safety and efficient loading. The operator can load yarn samples from the rear while the gripper's movement capability ensures safe operation, eliminating the trade-off between safety and loading efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention segments the yarn introduction function into two independent movements: gripper movement along the yarn path and gripper rotation about a perpendicular axis. This segmentation allows the system to decouple the safety aspect (linear movement reducing arc radius) from the loading efficiency aspect (flexible positioning for operator access), enabling both objectives to be achieved simultaneously.
3Productivity
If a semi-automatic yarn changing device is used, then multiple yarn samples can be processed in succession, but the manual insertion complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the gripper device to perform multiple functions: gripping the yarn sample, moving along the yarn path, and rotating about a perpendicular axis. This multi-functional design consolidates what would otherwise require separate mechanisms, achieving automated processing of multiple yarn samples without proportionally increasing device complexity. The single gripper device handles all insertion operations for successive samples.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic capabilities of the gripper device (movement along the path and rotation) provide versatility that simplifies the overall system architecture. Rather than requiring complex positioning mechanisms for each yarn sample, the dynamic gripper can adapt its position and orientation to handle successive samples efficiently, reducing the complexity burden that would otherwise accompany semi-automatic processing capabilities.
Data Source
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Figure 2
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AI summary
The yarn-checking device includes a yarn path running along a front of the yarn-checking device, at least one sensor arranged along the yarn path for checking the yarn sample, and a yarn insertion device (2) for inserting the yarn sample into the yarn path. The yarn insertion device (2) has a movable gripper device (5) for reversibly gripping the yarn sample. Same can both be moved in one direction (101) that is substantially parallel to the yarn path, and rotated about a rotational axis (102) that is perpendicular to the yarn path and parallel to a front plane defined by the front. The moving capacity and the rotating capacity are independent from one another. In this way, the risk of injury to operators is minimised, and there are more possibilities for handling the yarn sample.