Yarn Threading Arm Position Correction via Camera Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing yarn threading systems require extensive manual teaching and correction processes due to positional deviations of godet rollers and fulcrum guides after maintenance or replacement, leading to prolonged setup times in multi-apparatus systems.

Innovation Solution

An automatic yarn threading device with a yarn threading arm, storage unit, and controller that stores and corrects arm movement information based on actual positions detected by sensors, allowing for precise yarn threading without the need for complex image processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If teaching is performed for each spun yarn take-up apparatus to account for positional deviations, then yarn threading accuracy is improved, but the time required for setup increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveyarn threading accuracyVSAvoidsetup time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a camera to capture images of the yarn processing apparatus and creates a digital model (copy) of its actual position. This digital copy is then used to correct the arm movement information, eliminating the need for physical teaching at each apparatus while maintaining threading accuracy. The camera images serve as a virtual representation that replaces time-consuming manual teaching processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical teaching process (manual operation demonstration) with an optical system (camera imaging). Instead of physically teaching the robotic arm through manual operations, the system uses camera images to detect positional deviations and automatically corrects the movement information, substituting mechanical teaching with optical detection and computational correction.

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

2Productivity

If a yarn threading robot is used to perform automatic yarn threading across multiple apparatuses, then labor efficiency is improved, but the complexity of position correction increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelabor efficiencyVSAvoidposition correction complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a camera as an intermediary device between the yarn threading robot and the multiple yarn processing apparatuses. The camera captures images that serve as intermediate data, which is then processed to determine positional deviations. This intermediary simplifies the correction process by providing visual information that can be automatically analyzed, reducing the complexity of coordinating the robot across multiple apparatuses.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where camera images are continuously captured to detect actual positions of the yarn processing apparatuses. This visual feedback is used to correct the arm movement information in real-time, allowing the yarn threading robot to adapt to positional deviations automatically. The feedback loop eliminates the need for complex pre-programming and manual adjustment for each apparatus.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If complex image processing is used to correct yarn threading operations based on camera images, then positioning accuracy is improved, but the processing time and computational load increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts only the essential positional information from camera images without performing comprehensive image processing. Instead of analyzing entire images in detail, the system extracts key positional data points needed for correction, such as the locations of godet rollers and fulcrum guides. This selective extraction maintains positioning accuracy while significantly reducing processing time and computational requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 efficient and accurate yarn threading across multiple yarn processing apparatuses by simplifying the correction process, reducing setup time, and improving operational efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

the yarns retained by the suction gun

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Data Source

PatentEP3415452B1Automatic yarn threading device, yarn processing system, and yarn threading method
Publication Date: 2020.08.26 TMT MACHINERY INC
  • EP3415452B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3415452B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3415452B1 patent drawingFigure 3(a)~3(b)

AI summary

Yarn threading is properly performed in accordance with the position of a yarn processing apparatus (1), with a simple process. An operator moves a robotic arm (32) so that arm movement information which is information regarding how to move the robotic arm (32) when yarn threading is performed onto a take-up unit (3) is stored in a storage unit (123). By using a sensor (46) attached to a yarn threading unit (52) at a leading end portion of the robotic arm (32), information of positions of plural take-up units (3) is acquired and stored in the storage unit (123). The arm movement information is corrected based on a difference between the position of the take-up unit (3) onto which the yarn threading is to be performed and the position of the above-described take-up unit (3), and the yarn threading onto the take-up unit (3) is performed by moving the robotic arm (32) based on the corrected arm movement information.