Yarn manufacturing device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current yarn producing apparatuses for carbon nanotube yarn production lack the capability to produce carbon nanotube yarn at high speeds.

Innovation Solution

A yarn producing apparatus that utilizes a nozzle body with a first nozzle generating a first swirl flow and a second nozzle generating a second swirl flow in orthogonal directions, allowing for the aggregation of carbon nanotube fibers at high speed, with adjustable twist state via compressed air pressure and optional cross-linking agent or coagulant application.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional yarn producing apparatus is used, then carbon nanotube yarn can be produced, but the production speed is low

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction speedVSAvoidtime for fiber aggregation
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies pneumatic principles by using compressed air to generate swirl flows that twist and aggregate carbon nanotube fibers. The first and second nozzles produce controlled vortex flows that rapidly entangle fibers, replacing slow mechanical aggregation processes with fast pneumatic manipulation, thereby significantly increasing production speed while reducing time loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical state and motion parameters of the carbon nanotube fibers by introducing rotational swirl flows. By controlling the rotation speed, flow rate, and pressure of compressed air through the nozzles, the fibers transition from linear running state to twisted aggregated state, enabling high-speed yarn formation with optimized aggregation time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If high-speed production is implemented, then productivity increases, but fiber aggregation quality may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction speedVSAvoidfiber aggregation quality
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the aggregation process into two distinct stages using separate nozzles: the first nozzle performs initial twisting of carbon nanotube fibers, and the second nozzle performs secondary twisting in the opposite direction. This segmentation allows each stage to be optimized independently, maintaining high aggregation quality even at high production speeds by providing controlled, progressive fiber entanglement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs periodic alternating twist directions through the first and second nozzles. The fibers are twisted in one direction by the first nozzle, then twisted back in the opposite direction by the second nozzle, creating a false-twist effect. This periodic action prevents fiber damage, ensures uniform aggregation, and maintains yarn quality during high-speed operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Manufacturing precision

If multiple nozzles are added to improve fiber twisting, then device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefiber twist controlVSAvoidnozzle system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple nozzle functions into a single integrated nozzle body structure. The first and second nozzles are combined within one component, with air inlets and outlets strategically positioned to generate both swirl flows simultaneously. This merging reduces the number of separate parts, simplifies assembly, and lowers device complexity while maintaining the capability for precise fiber twist control through coordinated pneumatic action.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 the high-speed production of carbon nanotube yarn with improved quality by effectively twisting and aggregating fibers, with the ability to adjust twist state and enhance fiber bonding through controlled air flows and chemical treatments.

Implementation Method 1

a first nozzle provided in the nozzle body to generate a first swirl flow, with compressed air, in a direction orthogonal to a direction of the carbon nanotube fibers running

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSwirl flow: Vortex Ring

Implementation Method 2

a second nozzle provided in the nozzle body to generate a second swirl flow, with compressed air, in a direction orthogonal to the direction of the carbon nanotube fibers running and opposite to the direction of the first swirl flow

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSwirl flow: Vortex Ring

Implementation Method 3

the carbon nanotube fibers can be false-twisted and aggregated at high speed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFalse-twist aggregation:

Data Source

PatentUS10415159B2Yarn manufacturing device
Publication Date: 2019.09.17 MURATA MASCH LTD
  • US10415159B2 patent drawing
  • US10415159B2 patent drawing
  • US10415159B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A yarn producing apparatus that produces carbon nanotube yarn at high speed includes a yarn producing unit that aggregates running carbon nanotube fibers. The yarn producing unit includes a nozzle body, a first nozzle provided in the nozzle body to generate a first swirl flow, with compressed air, in a direction orthogonal to the direction of the carbon nanotube fibers running, and a second nozzle provided in the nozzle body to generate a second swirl flow, with compressed air, in a direction orthogonal to the direction of the carbon nanotube fibers running and opposite to the direction of the first swirl flow. The first nozzle and the second nozzle are provided at positions different in the direction of the carbon nanotube fibers running in the nozzle body.