Yarn Threading Robot Sensor Layout for Wide-Area Monitoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

As yarn threading robots become more compact, the detection area of the obstacle sensor overlaps with the movable area, leading to potential detection errors and obstruction of other devices during yarn threading operations.

Innovation Solution

The yarn threading robot is designed with a first detecting portion that protrudes away from the robot main body during threading to monitor a wide area without obstructing other devices, and includes a movable unit to change its position between yarn threading and running positions, with the detection area extending in a fan-shaped virtual plane to cover a 180° or more, and a second detecting portion to monitor areas not covered by the first.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If the detecting portion is made to protrude toward the working space in the orthogonal direction to monitor a wide area during yarn threading, then the monitoring coverage is improved, but the detecting portion may obstruct other devices when the yarn threading robot is running

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection areaVSAvoidobstruction of other devices
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The detecting portion is designed to be movable relative to the robot main body, allowing it to change its position between a protruding state during yarn threading operations and a retracted state during running operations. This dynamic adjustment enables the system to optimize detection coverage when needed while avoiding obstruction of other devices during normal operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The detecting portion is separated from the robot main body as an independent movable component. This segmentation allows the detecting portion to be positioned independently from the main body, enabling it to protrude during threading operations without permanently obstructing the running path or other devices

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Volume of moving object

If the robot main body is made thinner in the orthogonal direction to achieve compactness, then the compactness is improved, but the detecting portion becomes far from the working space and detection errors increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverobot main body volumeVSAvoiddetection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of increasing the orthogonal thickness of the robot main body to position the detecting portion closer to the working space, the invention extends the detecting portion in a different dimensional direction (along the running direction). This allows the detecting portion to reach the working space while maintaining the compact orthogonal profile of the robot main body

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The detecting portion is designed as a movable component that can dynamically adjust its position to protrude toward the working space during yarn threading operations. This dynamic positioning ensures accurate detection coverage without requiring the robot main body to be thicker, thereby maintaining compactness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If the detecting portion is retracted to avoid obstructing other devices during running, then the obstruction is avoided, but the monitoring area during yarn threading is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclearance for other devicesVSAvoidmonitoring area
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The detecting portion's position is dynamically adjusted based on the operational state of the robot. During running operations, it is retracted to avoid obstructing other devices. During yarn threading operations, it protrudes to maximize monitoring coverage. This dynamic repositioning resolves the contradiction by adapting the detection area to the current operational requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4484347B1Yarn threading robot
Publication Date: 2026.04.08 TMT MACHINERY INC
  • EP4484347B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4484347B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4484347B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Monitoring of a wide area at the time of yarn threading by a yarn threading robot is achieved, and obstruction of other devices by a detecting portion is avoided when the yarn threading robot is running. A yarn threading robot 4 includes a robot main body 31, a movable portion 32 capable of performing yarn threading, a detecting portion 41b, and a moving unit 44. The moving unit 44 is capable of moving the first detecting portion 41b between a yarn threading position where the yarn threading is performed by the movable portion 32 and a running position which is on the rear side of the yarn threading position.