Yarn Threading Robot Air Separator With Automatic Liquid Discharge

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Solution Overview

Problem

The accumulation of liquid in air separators of yarn threading robots leads to manual discharge requirements, increasing operational time and inefficiency due to the need for stopping the robot for safety during liquid removal.

Innovation Solution

A spun yarn take-up system with an integrated air separator that includes a storage unit and a sucking section, utilizing the compressed air passing part to automatically discharge liquid accumulated in the storage unit, eliminating the need for manual intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual discharge of liquid from air separator is performed, then liquid removal is achieved, but operational time increases and robot must be stopped

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveliquid discharge reliabilityVSAvoidoperational time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses the compressed air flow itself to automatically discharge liquid from the air separator storage unit. The compressed air passing through the suction creates negative pressure that automatically draws liquid out, eliminating the need for manual intervention and robot stopping.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The invention utilizes pneumatic pressure differentials created by compressed air flow to automatically discharge liquid. The negative pressure generated by compressed air passing through the suction mechanism drives liquid removal from the storage unit without mechanical intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Reliability

If air separator is provided to separate liquid from compressed air, then air cylinder protection is improved, but liquid accumulation and discharge complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair cylinder protectionVSAvoidliquid discharge mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The compressed air passing part serves dual functions: it generates negative pressure for yarn suction and simultaneously discharges liquid from the air separator storage unit. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate discharge mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses its own compressed air flow to automatically discharge liquid from the air separator, making the discharge mechanism self-service and eliminating the need for external manual intervention or additional complex discharge systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If sucking section is integrated into compressed air passing part, then system structure is simplified, but additional component requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem structureVSAvoidcomponent integration
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The sucking section is merged with the compressed air passing part, combining two functions into a single integrated component. This reduces the number of separate parts and simplifies the overall system structure while maintaining functionality.

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

Efficient liquid discharge is achieved without manual intervention, simplifying the system structure and preventing contamination of the suction mechanism, while reducing the system's size and operational downtime.

Implementation Method 1

an air separator which includes a separation unit configured to separate liquid included in the compressed air passing through the supply passage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSeparation:

Implementation Method 2

a sucking section which is capable of sucking the liquid stored in the storage unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNegative pressure suction: Suction

Implementation Method 3

a compressed air supplier which is configured to supply compressed air to the yarn threading robot

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompressed air flow:

Data Source

PatentEP4382466B1Spun yarn take-up system and yarn threading robot
Publication Date: 2025.12.03 TMT MACHINERY INC
  • EP4382466B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4382466B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4382466B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Liquid in an air separator is efficiently discharged. A spun yarn take-up system 1 includes a yarn threading robot 3 performing yarn threading for a spun yarn take-up apparatus, a compressed air supplier 5 configured to supply compressed air to the yarn threading robot 3, an air cylinder 124 driven by the compressed air, a branched supply passage 90 through which the compressed air is supplied from the compressed air supplier 5 to the air cylinder 124, and an air separator 92 provided on the branched supply passage 90. The air separator 92 includes a separation unit 92a configured to separate liquid included in the compressed air passing through the branched supply passage 90 and a storage unit 92b configured to store the liquid separated by the separation unit 92a. The spun yarn take-up system 1 further includes a robot-side waste yarn passage 82 that is capable of sucking the liquid stored in the storage unit 92b.