Yarn Tuft Transfer System with Articulated Linkage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing attachment systems for belts and chains in transfer systems are not stable and do not provide accurate or repeatable positioning, especially when loading a payload, as they rely on belt tension and can lead to localized stretching and inaccurate positioning.
Innovation Solution
A yarn tuft transfer system with a functional link element and two securing means, one rotatable about a first axis and the other about a second axis, spaced apart, allowing for precise positioning and resistance to forces and moments, utilizing an articulated linkage with clamps that trap the belt for stability and accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single attachment point is used on the belt, then the device complexity is reduced, but the stability and positioning accuracy deteriorate because it relies on belt tension and flexes easily under load
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment device is divided into multiple attachment points (at least two) spaced apart on the belt, with each point providing independent securing. This segmentation distributes the load and prevents flexing, achieving stable positioning without requiring overly complex single-point mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment system incorporates rotational degrees of freedom with securing means that can rotate about first and second axes perpendicular to each other. This dimensional freedom allows the attachment to accommodate belt tension variations while maintaining stable positioning through geometric constraint rather than rigid fixed connections
2Reliability
If two attachment points are used close together, then the stability improves over single point, but the positioning accuracy deteriorates because the points are too close to provide precise positioning when loaded
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the attachment device have specialized functions: the first securing means provides rotational freedom about the first axis to handle tension variations, while the second securing means provides rotational freedom about the second axis for fine positioning. This local specialization allows each attachment point to contribute differently to overall stability and precision
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment system uses dynamic rotational joints rather than fixed rigid connections. The securing means can rotate about perpendicular axes, allowing the structure to adapt dynamically to loading conditions while maintaining precise positioning through controlled degrees of freedom
3Reliability
If the device width is increased to provide stable attachment, then the positioning accuracy improves, but the belt must be bent to ride around cog rollers which causes localized stretching and inaccurate positioning over time
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of bending the belt to accommodate the attachment width, the attachment device is designed to work with the belt's natural path around cog rollers. The rotational securing means allow the attachment to maintain its width while following the belt's curvature, inverting the conventional approach of forcing the belt to conform to the attachment geometry
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the attachment by introducing rotational degrees of freedom. Rather than maintaining fixed geometric relationships that require belt bending, the attachment points can rotate about perpendicular axes, allowing the system to accommodate varying belt tensions and curvatures while maintaining stable, repeatable positioning
Data Source
AI summary
A yarn tuft transfer system for a carpet manufacturing machine, including one or more mounting devices secured to a belt or chain. Each mounting device includes a functional link element having a mounting for a payload, first securing device rotatably mounted on the functional link element about a first axis for securing the functional link element onto the belt or chain at a first position, and second for securing the functional link element onto the belt or chain at a second position spaced from the first, the device being rotatable relative to the functional link element about a second axis. The first securing device is moveable relative to the second securing device along a line perpendicular to and intersecting the first and second axes. The system further utilizing a yarn tuft holder mounted on each payload mounting.