Yarn winder: convert the existing chain drive to more robust mechanism

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around improving the mechanism of an electrically powered yarn winder, specifically addressing issues with the existing chain drive system. Participants explore alternative methods for converting rotary motor motion to reciprocating linear motion, focusing on robustness and reliability under varying conditions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes the current mechanism's issues, including chain jumping off gears due to wear, stretching, and stress from yarn feeding interruptions.
  • Another suggests considering an idler wheel or chain tensioner sprocket to maintain proper chain tension before switching mechanisms.
  • A participant questions the size of the roller-chain sprockets, noting that the sprocket ratio affects the yarn's diagonal angle on the spool.
  • There are inquiries about the make and model of the yarn winder and requests for additional information, such as pictures, to provide better suggestions.
  • One participant humorously challenges the idea of finding a more robust solution than a chain, suggesting a focus on repair ideas instead.
  • Another participant mentions that belts are commonly used in upgrades for small machine tools and could be a viable alternative, citing their durability under heavy loads.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of suggestions and considerations, but no consensus is reached on a specific alternative mechanism or solution. Multiple competing views remain regarding the best approach to improve the yarn winder's functionality.

Contextual Notes

Some limitations include the lack of detailed information about the current setup, materials used, and specific operational conditions of the yarn winder, which may affect the feasibility of proposed solutions.

yarnspinner
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I have an electrically powered yarn winder (that uses the equivalent of a bathroom fan motor) to drive a spindle which holds and turns the yarn cone, and simultaneously drives a chain mechanism which moves the yarn holder parallel to the yarn cone in a back and forth motion along the parallel axis to create a cross winding of the yarn on the cone.

My problem is that the chain often jumps off the gears driving it, either due to wear on the gears, stretching of the chain, or stress on the yarn holder when the yarn feed is interrupted, or the yarn comes under stress from slow feeding (becomes taut).

I am wondering if there is a different, hopefully better, way to convert the rotary motor motion to reciprocating linear motion, in a way that is more robust, by which I mean it is less susceptible to damage and more reliable. It does have to cope with sudden starts and stops.

Hoping for some suggestions here! Thanks in advance.
 
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Before switching to a completely different mechanism, maybe consider adding an idler wheel or chain tensioner sprocket to maintain a proper tension on the chain:

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https://blackaceparts.com/chain-tensioner-idlers
 
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The chain is only one part of the mechanism, the part you notice because it fails.
What size are the two roller-chain sprockets? That sprocket ratio sets the angle of the diagonal yarn on the spool.
 
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berkeman said:
Before switching to a completely different mechanism, maybe consider adding an idler wheel or chain tensioner sprocket to maintain a proper tension on the chain:
My first reaction. This isn't a heavy duty machine. Could it be out of alignment?

It's hard to comment about this without more info about your facilities and capabilities and the materials used for the job. Perhaps a photo?
 
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yarnspinner said:
I have an electrically powered yarn winder ...
What is the make and model?
Do you have a picture?
 
yarnspinner said:
more robust
more robust than a chain? ....
...you are driving a hard bargain here :wink:
I think you should ask for repair ideas instead.
With pictures.
 
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Belts are frequently used in 'upgrades' of small machine tools. Overhead Cam engines tend to use belts and they last for 70,000miles or more. Amateur machine tools ( mini lathes and mini milling machines) tend to use belt drive and the belts go on and on with heavier loads than winding yarn.