Yarn Winding Machine Optical Cart Positioning Without Wear

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing yarn winding machines face issues with deteriorating positioning accuracy due to wear of index plates or blocks, and require manual adjustment of stop positions for work carts, limiting their efficiency and precision.

Innovation Solution

A yarn winding machine equipped with an optical sensor and control system that calculates the position of a work cart using stop position identifiers, allowing for non-contact detection and adjustment of the stop position, enabling precise alignment with yarn processing units.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If an index plate or index block is used for positioning the work cart, then the stop position can be determined, but the positioning accuracy deteriorates due to wear over time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidpositioning reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical index plate/block system with an optical detection system. The optical sensor detects the stop position identifier without physical contact, eliminating wear-related degradation. The identifier on the rail is read optically by the sensor mounted on the work cart, substituting mechanical engagement with optical detection to maintain long-term positioning accuracy.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a stop position identifier as an intermediary element between the rail and the optical sensor. This identifier serves as a mediator that carries positioning information without requiring direct mechanical contact between the work cart and the rail, enabling accurate positioning through optical detection while preventing wear-induced accuracy loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the stop position is fixed by the index plate or index block, then positioning is simple, but the stop position cannot be adjusted flexibly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition adjustabilityVSAvoidpositioning system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the static, fixed positioning system into a dynamic, adjustable one. The stop position identifier can be repositioned along the rail, and the optical sensor can detect different positions by reading the identifier at various locations. This enables flexible adjustment of stop positions without changing the fundamental structure of the positioning system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables position adjustment by changing the detection parameter - the optical sensor reads the stop position identifier at different positions along the rail. By varying the location where the identifier is read, the stop position can be adjusted flexibly without mechanical reconfiguration, maintaining system simplicity while enhancing adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If manual adjustment of stop position is required, then positioning can be changed, but operational efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational efficiencyVSAvoidposition adjustment ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a self-adjusting positioning system where the optical sensor automatically detects the stop position identifier and determines the correct stop position without manual intervention. The system self-regulates by reading the identifier and controlling the work cart to stop at the appropriate position, eliminating the need for manual adjustment and improving operational efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates feedback control where the optical sensor continuously monitors the position by detecting the stop position identifier, and the control system adjusts the work cart's position based on this feedback. This closed-loop control enables automatic position adjustment, improving both operational efficiency and ease of operation compared to manual methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 system ensures accurate and adjustable positioning of the work cart, improving operational efficiency and enabling efficient work on yarn processing units without the need for manual adjustments.

Implementation Method 1

The optical sensor is provided on the work cart and detects the stop position identifier

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

The optical sensor is provided on the work cart and detects the stop position identifier

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric detection: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP4091976B1Yarn winding machine
Publication Date: 2025.08.27 MURATA MASCH LTD
  • EP4091976B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4091976B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4091976B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A doffing cart 40 travels in a direction in which yarn processing units are arranged. A stop position identifier 70 is provided at a position corresponding to a stop position of the doffing cart 40. An optical sensor 47 detects the stop position identifier 70. On the basis of a magnitude of a detection value or a light receiving position detected by the optical sensor 47, the doffing cart 40 is stopped with respect to the stop position identifier 70.