Yarn Suction Device with Twist Retention for Ring Spinning Robots

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing suction devices for yarn in textile machines are complex, energy-intensive, and heavy, causing dynamic loading issues in positioning mechanisms of robots and textile machines, while failing to reliably transport yarn with maintained twist.

Innovation Solution

A suction device with a fluidically connected suction mouth and inner conduit, utilizing a pressure gradient generated by vacuum ejectors to ensure reliable yarn suction and transport, featuring a yarn twist retaining element and a yarn cutting device, optimized for low weight and energy consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional suction devices are used, then yarn can be suctioned and transported, but the device becomes structurally complex and manufacturing becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveyarn transport reliabilityVSAvoidsuction device complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The suction device is divided into functionally independent modules: a suction unit with suction mouth and conduit, a vacuum generation unit with ejector, and a yarn twist retaining element. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies manufacturing while maintaining reliable yarn transport through coordinated operation of the modules.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The vacuum generation function is extracted from the suction conduit and implemented separately using a vacuum ejector. This extraction eliminates the need for complex vacuum pump integrations within the suction tube, simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining effective yarn suction and transport capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If conventional suction devices are used, then yarn can be transported, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveyarn transport reliabilityVSAvoidsuction device energy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention uses a vacuum ejector based on pneumatic principles to generate the required suction force. The ejector utilizes compressed air to create a vacuum effect, which is more energy-efficient than traditional vacuum pumps. This pneumatic approach reduces energy consumption while maintaining reliable yarn transport through the suction conduit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

Solution Approach 2:

The device optimizes energy consumption by adjusting operational parameters such as the cross-sectional area of the suction conduit and the pressure gradient generated by the ejector. By carefully controlling these parameters, the system achieves effective yarn transport with minimal energy input, resolving the contradiction between reliability and energy efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If conventional suction devices are used, then yarn can be suctioned, but the device weight increases causing dynamic loading issues

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveyarn suction reliabilityVSAvoidsuction device weight
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The vacuum generation system is extracted as a separate ejector unit rather than being integrated into the suction tube structure. This extraction significantly reduces the weight of the moving suction device attached to the robot, while the stationary ejector provides the necessary vacuum force. The lightweight suction unit can be easily positioned and maneuvered by the robot without causing dynamic loading issues.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces heavy mechanical vacuum pump systems with a pneumatic ejector-based system. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical components and reduces the overall weight of the suction device, while maintaining reliable yarn suction through the pneumatic vacuum effect generated by the ejector.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Reliability

If conventional suction devices are used, then yarn can be transported, but yarn twist is not maintained and tension increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveyarn transport reliabilityVSAvoidyarn twist stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

A yarn twist retaining element is introduced as an intermediary component within the suction conduit. This element acts as a mediator that maintains the twist structure of the yarn during transport by providing gentle support without applying excessive force. The retaining element prevents twist loss while allowing the yarn to move smoothly through the suction system, resolving the contradiction between transport reliability and twist stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

The solution provides reliable yarn suction and transport with reduced tension and twist maintenance, minimizing dynamic loading and energy requirements, thus enhancing operational efficiency and reducing the load on positioning mechanisms.

Implementation Method 1

a first vacuum ejector arranged in an area associated with a rear opening and adapted to generate a pressure gradient between the suction mouth and the rear opening for conveying an air flow through the suction mouth via the suction conduit to the inner conduit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure gradient: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

using an ejector connected to a compressed air source which, by passing through the ejector, generates a suction vacuum at the suction mouth of the ejector

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEjector effect: Injector

Data Source

PatentEP3987089B1Suction device for a service robot for a ring spinning machine, a service robot, and a ring spinning machine
Publication Date: 2024.10.23 RIETER CZ AS
  • EP3987089B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3987089B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP3987089B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention is directed to a suction device for suction and transport of yarn (1) for a service robot for a yarn manufacturing textile machine. The suction device comprises a suction tube (0), provided with a front opening (02) and a rear opening (01) that are fluidically interconnected with each other by an inner conduit (03). A suction mouth (00) is arranged at the front opening (02) and a first vacuum ejector (3) is fluidically connected to the inner conduit (03). The first vacuum ejector (3) is adapted to generate a pressure gradient between the suction mouth (00) and the rear opening (01) for conveying an air flow through the suction mouth (00) via the suction conduit (000) to the inner conduit (03). At least one yarn twist retaining element (9) is arranged in the inner conduit (03) between the suction mouth (00) and the first vacuum ejector (3).