Yarn Winder Line-Sensor Detection for Precise Storage Monitoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing yarn winders face challenges in detecting the detailed storage amount of yarn with a simple configuration and at a low cost, as increasing sensor numbers for precise detection would complicate the system and increase costs.

Innovation Solution

A yarn winder design that includes a line sensor to detect the presence or absence of yarn along a linear section on the storage roller's outer peripheral surface, using light reflection and a simple configuration to enhance detection accuracy and prevent false readings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple sensors are arranged at various locations in the storage area to detect yarn presence, then the storage amount detection precision is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage amount detection precisionVSAvoidsensor arrangement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple detection points into a single line sensor that detects yarn presence across the entire linear section of the storage area. Instead of using multiple discrete sensors at different locations, one line sensor integrates the detection function across the whole area, reducing device complexity while maintaining detection precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The line sensor serves multiple detection purposes simultaneously - it detects yarn presence at all locations along the linear section, determines storage amount, and monitors yarn sloughing conditions. This multi-functional approach replaces what would otherwise require multiple specialized sensors, reducing both complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If multiple sensors are arranged at various locations in the storage area to detect yarn presence, then the storage amount detection precision is improved, but the cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage amount detection precisionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple detection points into a single line sensor that detects yarn presence across the entire linear section of the storage area. Instead of using multiple discrete sensors at different locations, one line sensor integrates the detection function across the whole area, reducing device complexity while maintaining detection precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The line sensor creates an optical copy or representation of the yarn distribution across the storage area by detecting light reflection patterns. This optical copying mechanism allows single-sensor detection of what would otherwise require multiple physical sensors, reducing cost while maintaining detection capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Area of stationary object

If the line sensor detects light reflected by the storage roller, then false detection may occur, but the detection coverage is improved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection coverage areaVSAvoiddetection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating a specific geometric arrangement where the light emitting section and line sensor are positioned at angles relative to the storage roller. The line sensor is arranged to receive light reflected by yarn but not directly reflected light from the storage roller surface, making the detection system selectively responsive to yarn while ignoring roller reflections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The yarn acts as an intermediary that modifies the light path between the light emitting section and the line sensor. When yarn is present, it reflects light toward the sensor; when absent, it does not. This intermediary mechanism allows the system to distinguish yarn reflections from roller reflections, improving detection reliability.

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

Enables precise detection of yarn presence and absence with a simple and cost-effective setup, reducing complexity and enhancing detection accuracy for various yarn types, while preventing fluff scattering and improving detection uniformity.

Implementation Method 1

a light emitting section configured to emit light toward the storage roller, wherein the line sensor receives light reflected by the storage roller or the yarn

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP4215468B1Yarn winder
Publication Date: 2025.08.13 MURATA MASCH LTD
  • EP4215468B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4215468B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4215468B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A yarn winder (2) winds the yarn (Y) fed out from a feeding section (6) around a storage area (A) by rotating a storage roller (41) to temporarily store yarn (Y). A detection section (53) is a line sensor (53A) that detects the presence or absence of the yarn (Y) in a linear section (S1) in the storage area (A).