Weaving multilayer products using multiple warp columns and heddle columns

Abstract

An apparatus for weaving a multilayer product that has one or more warp columns for placing warp fibers and one or more heddle columns for heddles for lacing the warp fibers. The weaving apparatus has a numerical ratio of warp columns and heddle columns that is a fractional number. And a portion of the warp fibers are laceable through heddles on one or more heddle columns based on the fractional number. A method for weaving a multilayer product where adjacent warp fibers are segmented and laced through heddles on the heddle columns based on the fractional number.

Description

BACKGROUND[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]This invention is related to weaving of multilayer products woven from columns of warp fibers controlled by heddle columns. In particular, the ratio of the number of warp columns to the number of heddle columns is a fractional number.[0003]2. Description of the Related Art[0004]The use of reinforced composite materials to produce structural components is now widespread, particularly in applications where their sought desirable characteristics are being light in weight, strong, tough, thermally resistant, self-supporting and adaptable to being formed and shaped. Such components are used, for example, in aeronautical, aerospace, satellite, recreational use (as in racing boats and autos), and other applications.[0005]Typically such components consist of reinforcement materials embedded in matrix materials. The reinforcement component may be made from materials such as glass, carbon, ceramic, aramid, polyethylene, and / or other materials whi...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention is a weaving apparatus with two columns (warp and heddle) that are designed to make it easier to weave multilayer fabrics. This includes reducing congestion between warp and weft fibers, improving control of the warp, and making sure there is enough room to weave.

Problems solved by technology

In some circumstances of multilayer woven structures with high warp fiber counts, configuring the weaving apparatus where one heddle column would weave one warp column can have too much warp and weft fiber congestion to weave efficiently.

When configuring the weaving apparatus where one heddle column would weave two warp columns, the depth of the heddles is large so that a very small shed opening may be formed, resulting in poor warp control and difficulties in weaving.

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