Yarn Suction Coupler Structure for Non-Parallel Axis Sealing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing coupling devices face difficulties in coupling when the axes of the male and female couplers are not parallel, leading to potential clogging issues, especially in yarn sucking systems where yarns can get caught or clogged due to valve structures.

Innovation Solution

A coupling device design featuring a first and second coupler with a cylindrical ring member, seal ring, and bias mechanism, where the ring member is biased towards the first coupler, allowing for adjustable attitude to ensure contact and communication between the couplers' passages, even when axes are not parallel, and a retainer to prevent removal, facilitating smooth yarn passage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a valve is provided in the passage to close the passage when couplers are decoupled, then the passage can be sealed, but the passage becomes narrow and yarns are likely to be caught or clogged

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepassage sealingVSAvoidyarn clogging
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention removes the valve structure from the passage entirely. Instead of using a valve to seal the passage, the design relies on the natural geometry of the coupled couplers to maintain sealing while keeping the passage open and unobstructed for yarn flow.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The sealing function is segmented from the valve mechanism and distributed to multiple sealing surfaces on the male and female couplers. This allows the passage to remain open without requiring a centralized valve component that would obstruct yarn flow.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If the axis of the male coupler is not parallel to the axis of the female coupler, then coupling flexibility is needed, but it becomes difficult to insert the male coupler into the female coupler or open the valve appropriately

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoupling angle flexibilityVSAvoidcoupling insertion
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The male coupler is designed with rotational freedom, allowing its axis to dynamically adjust and align with the female coupler's axis during the coupling process. This dynamic adjustment capability enables successful coupling even when the initial axes are not parallel.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling structure employs asymmetric features where the male coupler can rotate independently to match the orientation of the female coupler. This asymmetric design allows the male coupler to adapt to different angular positions while maintaining proper sealing and connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the passage is made wider to prevent yarn clogging, then yarn flow is improved, but the sealing effectiveness may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveyarn clogging preventionVSAvoidpassage sealing
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The passage is designed with wide, open sections to facilitate smooth yarn flow and prevent clogging, while localized sealing surfaces are positioned at the coupling interface to maintain effective sealing. This local differentiation allows both wide passage and effective sealing to coexist.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 reliable coupling of non-parallel couplers and prevents clogging, ensuring efficient yarn passage and reduced operational complexity in yarn sucking systems by maintaining airtightness and flexibility in the coupling mechanism.

Implementation Method 1

a bias mechanism (96) which biases the ring member (93) toward the first cylinder body (91)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

A sealing member (94) is disposed on at least one of an end face of the first cylinder body (91) and an end face of the ring member (93)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3885626B1Coupling device
Publication Date: 2024.07.31 TMT MACHINERY INC
  • EP3885626B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3885626B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3885626B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

To provide a coupling device suitable for arrangement in a pipe connected to a yarn sucking device and capable of coupling paired couplers if axes of the couplers are not parallel to each other. A first coupler 83 includes a first cylinder body 91. A second coupler 84 includes a second cylinder body 92 facing the first cylinder body 91, a cylindrical ring member 93 engaged on an outer side of the second cylinder body 92 with a gap, and movable in an axial direction of the second cylinder body 92, a seal ring 95 arranged between the second cylinder body 92 and the ring member 93, and a bias mechanism 96 biasing the ring member 93 toward the first cylinder body 91. A ring member 94 is provided on an end face of the first cylinder body 91. One coupler 84 is moved toward the other coupler 83, and an end face of the ring member 93 contacts the end face of the first cylinder body 91 via the sealing member 94, whereby an inner passage of the first cylinder body 91 is brought into communication with an inner passage of the second cylinder body 92.