Yarn Storage Tube with Integrated Sensor for Textile Workstation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current thread monitoring systems in textile machines face space constraints and construction limitations due to the size of the controller, and separate thread monitors provide insufficient detection, especially when the thread store is not filled, leading to unreliable monitoring and increased complexity in workstation design.
Innovation Solution
A thread storage tube with integrated thread sensors at the entry opening, where an air flow creates negative pressure to form a loop within the tube, allowing for reliable monitoring of the thread path both inside and outside the tube, reducing the need for a separate sensor and enhancing flexibility in thread path control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the thread monitor is integrated into the control unit, then the monitoring function is provided, but the control unit size causes space constraints and design restrictions
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring function is segmented from the control unit and integrated into the thread storage tube itself. The sensor is positioned within the storage tube to detect thread presence locally, separating the monitoring function from the main control unit and reducing space constraints at the control unit location.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor is nested within the thread storage tube structure. The sensor housing is integrated into the tube wall, with the sensor element positioned inside the tube to detect thread presence. This nesting approach consolidates components and reduces overall workstation space requirements.
2Area of stationary object
If a separate thread monitor is used, then space constraints are reduced, but the detection is insufficient when the thread store is not filled
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is positioned to detect thread presence before the thread enters the storage tube. This preliminary detection ensures that thread breaks are detected even when the storage tube is empty or being filled, maintaining reliable monitoring throughout all operational states.
Solution Approach 2:
An air flow is introduced as an intermediary mechanism to draw the thread into the storage tube and maintain proper thread path tension. The air flow ensures the thread is properly positioned for sensor detection while compensating for speed fluctuations, enabling reliable detection in all operational conditions.
3Reliability
If the control unit is positioned within the thread path, then reliable monitoring is achieved, but significant design restrictions occur
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring function is segmented from the control unit and embedded in the thread storage tube. This segmentation allows the control unit to be positioned independently from the thread path while maintaining reliable monitoring through the distributed sensor in the storage tube.
Solution Approach 2:
The thread storage tube performs dual functions: it stores the thread and simultaneously monitors thread presence through the integrated sensor. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate monitoring equipment in the thread path, simplifying the overall workstation layout.
4Ease of operation
If air flow is used to create negative pressure, then thread path control is enhanced, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The air flow is applied periodically or on-demand rather than continuously. The sensor detects thread presence and triggers air flow only when needed to draw thread into the storage tube or maintain proper tension, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining effective thread path control during critical operations.
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
This configuration enables efficient detection of thread breaks and faults, compensates for winding speed fluctuations, and increases productivity by optimizing air usage, resulting in a more reliable and compact workstation design.
Implementation Method 1
an air flow is applied to the yarn storage tube, in particular at the yarn inlet opening, in order to create a negative pressure there
Implementation Method 2
a first air flow is applied to the yarn storage tube, in particular at the yarn inlet opening, in order to create a negative pressure there
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a yarn storage tube for a workstation of a textile machine comprising a yarn winding device, and to a workstation of a textile machine comprising a yarn storage unit for temporarily storing a yarn segment and a yarn winding device downstream of the yarn storage unit. In order to provide a yarn storage tube for a workstation of a textile machine comprising a yarn winding device, and to provide a workstation of a textile machine that enables reliable monitoring of the yarn path and a compact design of the workstation, the yarn storage tube is provided with a first yarn sensor arranged in the area of a yarn entry opening, such that it monitors the yarn path in the area upstream of the yarn entry opening.The workstation is designed to include a yarn storage tube with a yarn entry opening in the area of the yarn path, which is subjected to an airflow directed from the yarn entry opening towards the inside of the yarn storage tube, wherein a first yarn sensor is integrated on the yarn storage tube in the area of the yarn entry opening in such a way that it monitors the yarn path in the area in front of the yarn entry opening.