DESIGN AND FABRICATION OF ELECTRIC YARN WINDER FOR HAND-WOVEN FABRIC PRODUCTION

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Industrial Design, School of Art, Design and Printing, Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, Kogi State.

2 Department of Industrial Design, Federal University of Technology, Akure.

Abstract

Hand weaving is a traditional craft that produces unique and intricate fabrics. However, the manual winding of yarn onto bobbins is a time-consuming and labor-intensive process that hinders the productivity of hand-weavers. To address this challenge, this study presents the design and fabrication of an Electric Yarn Winder (EYW) specifically tailored for hand-woven fabric production. The Electric Yarn Winder automates the yarn winding process, significantly improving the efficiency and productivity of hand-weavers. The system consists of a motor-driven yarn winder mechanism, a tensioning unit, a yarn length measurement system, and an intuitive control panel.
      The design of the EYW prioritizes ease of use, reliability, and versatility. The motor-driven yarn winder mechanism enables consistent and uniform winding, ensuring high-quality bobbins ready for use in the weaving process. The tensioning unit ensures appropriate tension control, preventing yarn breakage and ensuring optimal yarn feed. The yarn length measurement system provides accurate measurement and monitoring of the yarn length wound onto each bobbin, enabling precise yarn management during weaving.
 
The control panel of the Electric Yarn Winder allows the user to set desired parameters such as winding speed, tension levels, and yarn length requirements. The system also incorporates safety features such as emergency stop buttons and overload protection to ensure operator safety. The fabrication of the Electric Yarn Winder involves selecting appropriate materials, precision machining, and electrical integration. Prototypes were built and tested to validate the design and evaluate the performance of the system. The results demonstrate that the Electric Yarn Winder effectively reduces the time and effort required for yarn winding, leading to enhanced productivity and efficiency in hand-woven fabric production. The Electric Yarn Winder presents a significant advancement in the field of hand-weaving by combining traditional craftsmanship with modern automation technology. This innovation empowers hand-weavers by minimizing the repetitive manual tasks, allowing them to focus more on their creative process and craftsmanship. The system offers potential benefits to small-scale weaving businesses, artisans, and hobbyists by streamlining the yarn winding process and improving overall productivity.

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