DESIGN OF A MECHATRONIC SYSTEM FOR SILK EXTRACTION FROM COCOONS BASED ON AN ULTRASONIC BATH
Abstract
This article presents the structural design and engineering principles of a mechatronic system for extracting silk threads from silkworm cocoons using ultrasonic technology. The study focuses on the third chapter of the doctoral dissertation devoted to developing an ultrasonic bath-based mechatronic unit that integrates acoustic cavitation, automated thread-catching mechanisms, and microcontroller-based control. The design parameters of the ultrasonic transducer, bath geometry, and cocoon processing chamber are substantiated through mathematical and physical analysis. Experimental results confirm that ultrasonic treatment at 28 kHz significantly reduces the time required for softening the sericin bond between silk fibers compared to traditional hot-water reeling. The proposed system improves extraction efficiency by up to 23% and reduces thread breakage by 18% relative to conventional methods.