Master-Slave Yarn Feeding Tension Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for controlling thread tension in textile machines are inefficient over extended operating times and across multiple work stations, leading to increased costs for thread feeding devices.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a master-slave thread feeding system where a master thread feeder with a tension unit regulates the thread tension of slave feeders, using a default control unit to adjust braking force values based on the master's braking signal, allowing for cost-effective operation of thread feeders without tension control units.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If every thread feeding device is equipped with a tension control unit to maintain predetermined thread tension, then thread tension control is reliable, but device complexity and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethread tension controlVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The master thread feeding device creates a reference model for tension control that is copied to slave feeders through communication of braking signal values. Instead of each feeder independently controlling tension, the master's control parameters are replicated across slaves, achieving consistent tension control without duplicating complex control units in each device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple thread feeding devices are merged into a coordinated system where one master device handles tension control for all connected slave devices. The control functions are consolidated in the master device, which then distributes appropriate braking signal values to slaves, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliable tension control across all feeders.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If thread tension is controlled at each individual feeder, then tension consistency is maintained, but operational costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethread tension consistencyVSAvoidoperational costs
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The master device's braking signal values are copied to slave devices through digital communication. This allows slave feeders to achieve the same tension control效果 as the master without requiring identical hardware or independent control systems, reducing operational costs while maintaining tension consistency across all feeders.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

Slave thread feeding devices automatically receive and apply the appropriate braking signal values from the master device without requiring manual adjustment or independent control operations. The system self-regulates tension across all feeders through automated communication and application of control parameters, reducing operational overhead and costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If multiple slave feeders are controlled by a single master feeder, then device costs are reduced, but control precision may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidcontrol precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the master device receives information from slave devices about their operational status and thread conditions. This allows the master to adjust braking signal values dynamically to maintain precise tension control across all feeders, compensating for variations in thread properties or machine conditions that might affect control precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The braking signal values communicated from master to slave are not static but dynamically adjusted based on real-time operational conditions. The system adapts control parameters continuously to maintain optimal tension control precision across all slave feeders, accounting for changes in thread characteristics, speed variations, or mechanical conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 approach enables consistent thread tension across multiple work stations over extended periods, reducing the need for expensive thread feeding devices with built-in tension control units and lowering overall operational costs.

Implementation Method 1

a braking device with an adjustment device for adjusting a thread tension of the thread (40) in a course of the thread (40) after the storage body (3)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3492640B1Method for control of the delivery of yarns of a system comprising a plurality of yarn feeders and textile machine with a system having a plurality of yarn feeders
Publication Date: 2020.05.13 MEMMINGER IRO GMBH
  • EP3492640B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3492640B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3492640B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

To control the delivery of threads from a system with multiple thread delivery units (VC, ATC) at a predetermined thread tension, where the thread tension of at least one thread of a thread delivery unit (ATC) is regulated to a reference value (Mref) by a tension unit of the thread delivery unit (ATC), at least one thread delivery unit (ATC) with a tension unit is operated as the master thread delivery unit and at least one other thread delivery unit (VC) as the slave thread delivery unit. The thread tension of the thread of the slave thread delivery unit(s) is controlled by a preset control unit using the tension unit(s) of the master thread delivery unit(s). To regulate the thread tension of the thread of the master thread delivery unit(s), a braking signal is set by the corresponding tension unit.Each of the system's thread delivery units (VC, ATC) is assigned specific data (spD), which includes an assignment of values ​​of a braking force determining the thread tension to values ​​of the braking signal. The thread tension of the thread(s) (40) of the slave thread delivery unit(s) is controlled by the preset control unit determining a preset value for the braking force for the slave thread delivery unit(s) from the braking signal values ​​of the master thread delivery unit(s) and specifying this preset value to the slave thread delivery unit(s).