Manufacturing of woven fabric products

Abstract

An annular loom (10) for continuously weaving a woven fabric having a variable diameter includes a variable diameter weaving hoop (41), independently actuated healds (20), and at least one shuttle (15) including a weft insertion arm (30) mounted to a linear rail system (289) configured to adjust the position of the weft insertion arm (30) based on the diameter of the weaving hoop (41). A related method includes varying the diameter of the weaving hoop (41), independently actuating the healds (20), and adjusting the position of the weft insertion arm (30) along the linear rail system (289) to continuously produce hollow textile articles (100) having a variable diameter.

Description

Related Application

[0001] [Cross-Reference to Related Application]

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 304,944, entitled "Manufacturing Woven Textile Products", filed on January 31, 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002]

[0002] The present invention is in the technical field of manufacturing woven textile products, and more specifically directed to circular looms for weaving hollow textile products such as clothing.

[0003] [Statement on Government-sponsored Research or Development]

[0003] This invention was made with government support under Grant No. 1831088 awarded by the National Science Foundation of the United States. The United States government has certain rights in this invention. Background Art

[0004]

[0004] The production of textiles and clothing has remained largely unchanged for many years. Clothing is generally mass-produced, stored in warehouses, transported to clothing stores and displayed. Many different sizes for each type of clothing need to be stored and displayed to fit the different sizes of various consumers shopping at clothing stores. Clothing manufacturers and sellers merely estimate how many garments of each size will sell, and produce the estimated quantity of clothing. Storage of clothing incurs costs, and when a manufacturer produces an incorrect quantity of clothing, lost sales may result due to the lack of desired sizes of clothing, and surplus inventory of clothing may remain unsold. Surplus inventory is often landfilled or incinerated, causing substantial environmental harm.

[0005]

[0005] Woven fabrics have several advantages over knitted fabrics. For example, woven fabrics are less prone to stretching and losing their shape. Woven fabrics are generally thinner. In addition, woven fabrics are lighter because they require less yarn to cover the same area. However, one disadvantage of woven fabrics over knitted fabrics is that creating a three-dimensional final woven product generally requires sewing together several distinct pieces of woven fabric. For many years, manufacturers have relied on the "cut and sew" technique for garment production. The production of woven garments involves a multi-step process: weaving a raw fabric sheet, cutting the fabric sheet into panels, and sewing the panels into a three-dimensional garment. A seam is formed by sewing together two distinct pieces of woven fabric. Typically, if a product changes dimensions or new parts are added, different distinct pieces of woven fabric, and therefore seams, are required.

[0006]

[0006] When different pieces of fabric are cut and sewn together, a certain amount of fabric is wasted. Often, at least 15% of plain weave fabric is discarded during the cutting process. In addition, the fabric cutting and sewing processes are typically costly manual processes. With this in mind, the garment manufacturing industry sees an advantage in creating seamless garments in order to reduce both material and labor costs and to take advantage of economies of scale.

[0007]

[0007] To address some of these problems, annular looms capable of producing garments at high speed have been developed. For example, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016 / 0281277, cited by reference, describes a technique for producing three-dimensional woven products. The disclosed three-dimensional weaving technique can be used to produce a variety of fabric products. However, current annular looms are designed to weave at a fixed output size, meaning the loom produces tubular materials woven at a constant diameter. Annular looms can be reconfigured to weave at different diameters, but this involves re-threading the machine and physically replacing some components. Due to this limitation, current annular looms cannot continuously weave fabric while varying the diameter, and annular weaving methods are commercially limited to constant diameter weaving output.

[0008]

[0008] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0048799, also incorporated by reference, discloses a system and method for producing a seamless woven material in which each of the three dimensions is variable. The system and method generally contribute to imparting a three-dimensional structure to a woven fabric. Heddle It works by altering the position. The weft yarn is woven into a set of warp yarns that are individually raised and lowered along a specific cross-section, and the weave is essentially locked into its intended three-dimensional form. However, such an arrangement cannot be easily altered during manufacturing. Furthermore, such an arrangement is difficult to change for each individual Heddle Because it requires the presence of a motor and / or actuator, it is complex and expensive. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0009] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 304,944 [Patent Document 2] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016 / 0281277 [Patent Document 3] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0048799 [Patent Document 4] U.S. Patent No. 5,839,481 [Overview of the initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0010]

[0009] As described above, there is a need for a system and method that can efficiently manufacture irregularly shaped woven fabrics having a three-dimensional structure with improved structural performance using reduced materials. More specifically, it is necessary to form garment parts with diameters that vary along their lengths, so that various sizes can be produced with the same machine, or even to be produced to fit individual body shapes. With the above in mind, in the art there is still a need for a way to produce garments on demand in order to eliminate waste. Directly weaving a complete garment or even garment parts with continuously changing diameters in three dimensions would reduce cutting waste from the cutting process. Direct three-dimensional weaving should also reduce waste from excess inventory. There is also a need to eliminate waste from cutting patterns and reduce production time and other costs associated with cut-and-sew production. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011]

[0010] The present invention is directed toward a system and method for continuously weaving fabric products having a changing diameter, such as clothing and cloth, or a variety of items such as composite structures, inflatable structures, medical devices, fire hoses, or bags. Weaving is carried out using a loom equipped with variable-diameter weaving rings having a diameter that is altered during the production of the garment. Heddle They are assembled into groups Heddle A unit is formed. Independently operated to further control the weaving process. Heddle The unit is used. Heddle The unit Heddle It includes an actuator for moving the unit. Alternatively, Heddle The unit is driven by a mechanical cam or linkage mechanism. Heddle The unit is modular, each Heddle The unit can be replaced as needed for repair or other reasons. The shuttle is equipped with a bobbin that supports the weft yarn and a weft insertion arm attached to each shuttle.

[0012]

[0011] To compensate for the changing size of the weaving ring, the weft insertion arm is configured to move radially inward and radially outward in response to the change in diameter of the weaving ring. An adjustment unit or adjustment system is configured to adjust the position of the weft insertion arm. The system includes a linear rail for supporting the insertion arm and an actuator for moving the weft insertion arm along the rail. One end of the arm is supported on a shuttle, and the other end of the arm supports an eyelet. The weft extends from a bobbin to a sensor that detects weft breakage. The weft yarn extends through the sensor to the eyelet of the insertion arm. This arrangement allows the weft to be inserted where the warp yarn intersects the weaving ring, resulting in improved continuously variable weaving. The sensor is preferably a spring-driven mechanism that supports the weft yarn. The weft applies pressure to the spring-driven mechanism of the sensor. When the weft yarn breaks, the spring-driven mechanism rotates, activating the sensor.

[0013]

[0012] In alternative embodiments, the weft insertion arm is preferably moved in a non-radial and / or at least nonlinear trajectory. For example, a combination of rotary joints may be used to achieve a similar desired motion profile. There are various linear mechanisms that can be employed to achieve these goals. In these alternative embodiments, the weft insertion point, i.e., the tip of the insertion arm, still moves effectively in a radial manner, but the arm itself may follow a different trajectory.

[0014]

[0013] In combination with adjusting the weaving ring, HeddleThe unit must dynamically change the weave pattern to adapt to the changing weave diameter. Each time the weft line intersects with the warp line, an increment of fabric length is added to the entire circumference of the weaving output. Heddle By modifying the weave of the unit, the number of weft crossings can be altered in conjunction with the adjustment of the weaving ring to reduce the overall circumference of the weaving output. Common weaves include 2x1 twill, 3x1 twill, and 4x2 twill, but any arrangement of warp lines is possible. Specifically, 2x1 twill weaves with many weft crossings are suitable for large diameter outputs, 3x1 twill weaves with fewer weft crossings are suitable for medium diameter outputs, and 4x2 twill weaves with even fewer weft crossings are suitable for small diameter outputs.

[0015]

[0014] The variable diameter weaving ring is preferably made of a flexible nylon strip. A portion of the flexible strip is arranged in a circular shape to form the variable diameter weaving ring, while another portion of the flexible strip extends beyond the ring and is housed on the winding mechanism. The loom preferably has a plurality of support arms for supporting the variable diameter weaving ring. Each arm includes a pivotally mounted guide configured to slidably support the variable diameter weaving ring. More specifically, each guide preferably includes two fingers configured to slidably support the variable diameter weaving ring between them. Other support configurations are also preferred, including rollers, hybrid roller finger tongues, and single finger tongues. The diameter of the weaving ring is increased by moving the support arms radially outward and moving a portion of the flexible strip away from the winding mechanism. The arms are mounted to move synchronously so that they can move radially outward at the same time and so that the weaving ring can be sure to maintain its circular shape as its diameter increases.

[0016]

[0015] During operation, the warp yarn is pulled away from the storage bobbin. Heddle They are led to that point. Heddle These are operated individually to control the warp yarn when it is woven with the weft yarn. The warp yarn is Heddle This causes the warp yarn to be swapped from the upper position to the lower position. Heddle the line traced from to the weaving loop and the warp yarn at the lower position Heddle the line traced from to the weaving loop defines a warp shed. During weaving, a shuttle passes weft yarn through the warp shed, Heddle is alternated between the upper position and the lower position, and the weft yarn is thus woven into the warp yarn. The process of continuously weaving fabric using a circular loom includes the step of changing the diameter of the weaving loop, during which the support arms are moved synchronously and Heddle the weave of is changed and a portion of the flexible material forming the loop is moved to or from the winding mechanism. As suggested above, to compensate for changes in the diameter of the weaving loop, weaving further includes adjusting the position of the weft insertion arm along the linear rail system on each shuttle.

[0017]

[0016] This overall approach enables continuous weaving of fabric with varying diameters along the output length, thereby enabling direct weaving of various components of garments (i.e., a single trouser leg, a shirt sleeve, a dress, etc.). The system can also be used to produce a bifurcated output that allows direct weaving of a complete garment. This approach to fabric manufacturing is similar to 3D printing.

[0018]

[0017] Additional objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent when the following detailed description of preferred embodiments is considered in association with the drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to corresponding parts throughout the several views.

[0019]

[0018] The present disclosure will be more fully understood when the following description of various exemplary embodiments is considered in association with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a loom according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a top view of the loom shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 3]Figure 1 shows a close-up view of the adjustable weaving wheel from the loom. [Figure 4] Figure 3 is an overhead perspective view of the support arm holding the weaving ring. [Figure 5] Figure 3 is a downward perspective view of the support arm holding the weaving ring. [Figure 6] Figures 4 and 5 show that the support arms are connected to the synchronization mechanism. [Figure 7] This shows a winding mechanism for storing the excess portion of the flexible band that forms the weaving ring. [Figure 8] This shows the support arm being gradually retracted to adapt to the expanding weaving ring. [Figure 9] Figure 8 shows the support arm being retracted. [Figure 10] Figures 8 and 9 show the support arm being retracted. [Figure 11] The diagram shows two shuttles passing through the warp shuttle opening and an arm for supporting the weaving ring. [Figure 12] Figure 1 is a close-up view of the shuttle from the loom, showing the details of the insertion arm. [Figure 13] Figure 1 is a top view of the synchronization sensor for controlling the heddle of the loom. [Figure 14] Figure 13 is a perspective view of the sensor. [Figure 15] Figure 1 shows a detailed diagram of the heddle unit of the loom. [Figure 16] Figure 15, along with a detailed diagram of the heddle unit, is shown. [Figure 17] Figure 1 shows a pair of trousers made using the loom shown. [Figure 18] This shows the arrangement of magnetic sensors used to synchronize the weaving ring, heddle, and shuttle. [Figure 19] This is a side view of an alternative arrangement of the heddle unit. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0021]

[0035] The following detailed description should be read in conjunction with the drawings, and similar elements in different drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals. The detailed description and the drawings, which are not necessarily scaled, depict exemplary embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. Rather, the exemplary embodiments depicted are for illustrative purposes only. Unless explicitly stated otherwise, selected features of one exemplary embodiment may be incorporated into another embodiment. The disclosure is subject to various modifications and substitutions, the details of which are shown and explained in detail in the drawings as an example. However, it should be understood that the modes of disclosure are not intended to be limited to the specific exemplary embodiments described. Rather, they are intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions that fall within the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

[0022] [Definition]

[0036] In use throughout this application, the translations of the singular articles "a," "an," and "the" in the original text, "aru," "ichi," and "tougai," include the plural form unless explicitly indicated otherwise. In addition, the term "or" is generally used to include "and / or" unless explicitly indicated otherwise.

[0023]

[0037] "Yarn" refers to any string-like input into a weaving process. Yarn is a general term for continuous strands of fabric fibers, filaments, or materials in a form suitable for braiding, weaving, braiding, or otherwise intertwining to form a fabric, and is often used interchangeably with "thread" and "line."

[0024]

[0038] "Weave" refers to a system or pattern in which warp yarns and filling yarns are interwoven. The term "weave" is used to describe a broad range of fabrics that are not knitted or are nonwoven. Plain weave, twill weave, and satin weave are all types of weaves.

[0025]

[0039] "Weft and warp" are terms referring to the constituent yarns within a weave. The warp runs in the longitude direction relative to the direction of production, while the weft runs in the latitudinal direction relative to the direction of production; they are sometimes also called "filling yarns."

[0026]

[0040] "Threads per inch" is a measure of fabric density.

[0027]

[0041] "Ends per inch" (EPI) is a similar measure used when looking at warp yarn, while "Picks per inch" (PPI) is used when looking at weft yarn.

[0028]

[0042] " Heddle A heddle is a structure that can control the movement (opening movement) of the warp yarn, and usually takes the form of a loop or eyelet. Heddle The specific configuration can vary within different machines.

[0029]

[0043] A "shed" refers to the temporary separation between the upper and lower warp yarns, and is often used interchangeably with a "warp shed." A warp shed is... Heddle It is also a triangular-shaped opening that forms in the warp line when the yarn moves. This term is often used as a verb to describe the action of the upper and lower warp yarns switching positions.

[0030]

[0044] A "shuttle" is a movable loom component that acts as a support for the weft thread and moves through the warp shuttle opening to deposit the weft thread.

[0031]

[0045] "Weft insertion" usually refers to the process of inserting a weft thread into the weave via a shuttle equipped with a weft bobbin.

[0032]

[0046] A "weft insertion point" is a point set radially away from the weaving ring where the weft thread is deposited.

[0033]

[0047] "Crimp" refers to the wavy texture of fibers. More specifically, crimp is a measure of the degree of wavy texture present in the yarn within a woven fabric due to interweaving.

[0034]

[0048] "Cover factor" refers to the ratio of the area covered by yarn to the total area of ​​the fabric.

[0035] [Overview]

[0049] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a loom 10 according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention. The loom 10 is an annular loom, that is, it can be thought of as a series of flat looms arranged in a circle. The operating principle is generally the same as that of a flat loom, but the main difference is that one or more shuttles 15 move in succession, one of which is indicated in Figure 2, which shows a top view of the loom 10. The loom 10 has six shuttles, four of which are shown. The loom 10 may have as few shuttles as one, or as many as physically fit within the diameter of the loom 10, but six is ​​preferred. Due to the circular shape of the loom 10, during operation, the shuttles 15 Heddle Passing by Unit 20. One of Shuttle 15 Heddle When the warp thread exits one of the warp shuttle openings in unit 20, the shuttle moves to the adjacent Heddle It enters the warp shuttle opening of the unit. Heddle Some of the units 20 are upright (reference numeral 25), and some are inverted (reference numeral 30). HeddleUnit 30 provides a space 35 for the operator to access the inner part of the loom 10. Although not shown in Figure 1, all Heddle Unit 20 can also be mounted inverted, and such an arrangement is considered preferable. Heddle Unit 20 is adjustable. Although not shown in Figure 1, during the operation of the loom 10 Heddle Yarn is supplied to unit 20.

[0036]

[0050] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the loom 10 includes a variable-diameter weaving ring 45 (Figure 2) and a plurality of variable-position weft insertion arms 50, with one arm positioned on each shuttle 15. The loom 10 is Heddle Individually operated type controlled by control panel 522 (Figure 1) Heddle The system includes unit 20. The loom 10 has 36 individually operated units. Heddle It has unit 20, each Heddle 20 individual units Heddle It is preferable that the loom has 18 of them, and only 18 of them are used during weaving. However, if the loom 10 is larger, even more Heddle It is preferable that units be provided, and per unit Heddle The number will be even greater. The loom 10 preferably has six weft insertion shuttles 15, although only four are shown in Figure 2, and one variable-diameter weaving ring 45.

[0037] [Variable diameter weaving ring]

[0051] Now looking at Figure 3, a variable-diameter weaving ring 45 is placed where the warp line 80 intersects the weft line 85 to form the weft insertion point 90 for creating the fabric product 100. The fell line 105, which is the edge of the weave where the last weft line 85 is placed, is the interface where the unwoven warp line 80 interweaves with the weft line 85 to form the woven fabric product 100. To avoid tangling or breaking of the warp line 80 during weaving, it is preferable that the bottom of the weaving surface of the weaving ring 45 is continuous and smooth. A set of support guides 115 supports the weaving ring 45.

[0038]

[0052] As is best seen in Figures 4 and 5, the variable-diameter weaving ring 45 is formed as part of a flexible strip 125 supported by five guides 115. Multiple support arms 130 support the guides 115. The flexible strip 125 can also be described as semi-rigid and creates a continuous weaving surface. The flexible strip 125 overlaps itself at one overlapping point or overlapping location 155, and the overlap of excess strip material 190 increases or decreases as the circle formed by the flexible strip 125 becomes larger or smaller.

[0039]

[0053] The support arms 130 move synchronously to achieve proper weaving action. The chain drive 195 (see Figures 6 and 7) ensures synchronous motion among all support arms 130 and helps maintain a circular output always centered on the Z-direction output shaft 196 of the loom 10. While the chain drive transmission 195 is a preferred synchronization mechanism, other options are also possible. For example, timing belts, ring gears, cam mechanisms, and other linkages may be employed. If a non-circular output of the fabric product 100, such as an oval or elliptical output or an output not centered on the output shaft 196, is desired, the support arms 130 can be operated individually. However, the illustrated loom 10 is set to produce a circular fabric product 100. Therefore, the support arms 130 are integrally connected using a chain 200 that engages with the sprocket 210 of the chain drive transmission 195, as can be seen in Figures 5, 6, and 7.

[0040]

[0054] The support arms 130 passively follow the shape of the flexible strip 125. The support arms 130 function to provide support along the output shaft 196 of the loom 10. Alternatively, the support arms 130 may be moved using a single actuator that moves all of the support arms 130, or each arm may be fitted with a separate actuator. Preferably, each arm of the support arms 130 is provided with a joint encoder 230 (Figure 6) for indicating the angular position of the respective arm. However, the loom 10 can also be constructed to function with only one joint encoder on a single support arm. The support arms 130 continuously provide support for the flexible strip 125 along the output shaft 196 as the flexible strip 125 forms a weaving ring 45 with a changing diameter. The number of support arms 130 required depends on the maximum unsupported strip length 235 (Figure 4) that a given strip material can support before buckling. If there are only a few support arms 130, the unsupported strip length 235 increases. When the diameter of the weaving ring 45 increases, the unsupported band length 235 also increases. Five support arms 130 are preferred, but fewer support arms can be used. Using fewer support arms limits the maximum weaving ring diameter before the increased unsupported band length 235 (Figure 4) leads to loss. More support arms 130 can also be used, but this limits the minimum weaving ring diameter before the support arms 130 interfere with each other. Nevertheless, more than five support arms are preferred for wider weaving ring diameters, and more support arms will be needed to shorten the unsupported band length if a more flexible material is used as the flexible band. The support arms 130 are preferably positioned perpendicular to the weaving ring 45. One of the support arms 130 holds the joiner guide 240 (Figure 5) where the excess band material 190 leaves the weaving ring 45. Alternatively, the support arms 130 may be tangent to the weaving ring 45, particularly when the weaving ring 45 is at its minimum diameter. The advantage is that the belt 125 converges to a central location that can serve as the location for the winder mechanism, which will be described later.

[0041]

[0055] As is best seen in Figures 4 and 5, a guide 115 holding the flexible strip 125 in a circular configuration assists in forming the weaving ring 45. The guide 115 preferably has inner fingers 250 and outer fingers 251 that hold the weaving ring 45 between them. The guide 115 is pivotally mounted on a support arm 130. As the support arm 130 changes position when more or less of the flexible strip 125 is fed into the weaving ring 45, the flexible strip 125 slides through the guide 115. The guide 115 is preferably made of aluminum, and low-friction surface contact between the aluminum guide 115 and the variable-diameter weaving ring 45 allows for relative motion between the guide 115 and the flexible strip 125. Alternatively, a rolling connection (not shown) may be used between the guide 115 and the flexible strip 125.

[0042]

[0056] As shown in Figures 4-7, to adjust the diameter of the variable-diameter weaving ring 45, the control system 70 sends a desired command to the weaving ring control panel 253. The desired command may be in the form of a single command or a sequence of commands representing the entire weave. The weaving ring control panel 253 then sends a command to the electric winder 252, which is provided to take in or unload a calculated amount of excess strip material 190 (Figure 5) as needed. A motor 255 powers the winding winder 252 (Figure 7). The motor 255 rotates a gear reduction unit 260, which is connected to a pulley 265 by a coupler 270. The pulley 265 is provided with a wheel 271 that takes in or unloads excess flexible strip material 190 (not shown in Figure 7) as needed. The pulley encoder 275 senses the position of the pulley wheel 271 and provides a signal used to determine how much of the flexible strip 190 has been distributed. The size of the circle formed by the flexible strip 190, i.e., the size of the variable-diameter weaving ring 45, may be measured directly, or the diameter may be calculated by measuring the angle of the support arm 130 using the arm encoder 230 (Figure 6). The support arm 130 is shown in the fully extended position corresponding to the minimum diameter of the weaving ring 45 in Figure 8, in the intermediate position corresponding to the intermediate diameter of the weaving ring 45 in Figure 9, and in the retracted position corresponding to the maximum diameter of the ring 45 in Figure 10. The variable-diameter weaving ring 45 is designed not to interfere with the warp shuttle 231 shown in Figure 11, and while still allowing the operator access to the warp yarn line 80 and the weft yarn line 85 being woven.

[0043]

[0057] The flexible strip forming the weaving ring 45 must be stiff enough to withstand lateral torsional buckling, but flexible enough in the longitudinal direction to bend. More specifically, the variable-diameter weaving ring 45 must be stiff enough to avoid lateral torsional buckling under the load of the warp line 80, but flexible enough to curl to a small diameter around the output shaft 196 (Figure 4) to create a small-diameter fabric product 100 as shown in Figure 3. The strip is preferably made of a polymer, more preferably nylon 6 / 6, or another polymer, metal, or composite material having a similar desirable combination of stiffness, strength, and frictional properties.

[0044]

[0058] To synchronize the movement of the weaving rings 45 and the weft shuttles, the loom 10 is equipped with one or more sensors configured to directly detect when one or more shuttles are present at a known angular position within the loom 10. In one embodiment, the shuttles may be equipped with magnets that are detected by stationary magnetic sensors installed around the loom 10. The detection of the shuttles by the magnetic sensors is communicated to the weaving ring control panel 253 via a synchronization control signal 72, and upon receiving the communication, the weaving ring control panel 253 selects to execute a desired command.

[0045] [Weft insertion arm]

[0059] Figure 12 shows a close-up view of one of the weft shuttles 15 from Figure 2. In one most preferred configuration, the loom 10 changes the radial position of the weft insertion arm 50, which passes through a linear guide or rail system 289 installed at the end of the linear actuator 285, so as to support the weft insertion arm 50 from lateral loads and protect the linear actuator 285 from bending. The weft insertion arm 50 receives the weft yarn 85 (Figure 3). The position is moved by the linear actuator 285 in response to a position sensor 290, which is preferably a flexible potentiometer. The weft insertion arm 50 is preferably mounted on the shuttle 15. A weft bobbin 291, which supports the weft yarn (not shown), rotates about an axis defined on the shuttle 15. The weft yarn passes through an electromechanical weft break sensor 350 to an insertion finger 300 connected to a linear actuator 285, where the weft is positioned / inserted near the variable weaving ring 45 and incorporated into the weave that forms the fabric product 100, as is best seen in Figure 3. An onboard battery 320 powers an onboard shuttle control panel or control unit 325 that controls the linear actuator 285 and receives feedback from both the linear position sensor 290 and the weft break sensor 350. The onboard shuttle control panel 325 further communicates with the loom control system 70 (Figure 1) via wireless signals. A stepping motor 360 with an integrated encoder 370 transmits radial motion to a lead screw drive assembly 390 through a one-to-one belt drive system 380, which then converts the radial motion of the belt drive system 380 into linear motion via a carriage 395 on the lead screw 400. The loom 10 actively monitors for weft breakage via the weft breakage sensor 350.

[0046]

[0060] Referring again to Figures 2 and 3, as the variable-diameter weaving ring 45 changes its diameter, the insertion point 90 located near the end of the arm 50 is adjusted so that the correct length of weft yarn 85 is deposited and the correct tension is applied. Position feedback from the linear position sensor 290 shown in Figure 12 to the shuttle control panel 325 is used to actively check the position of the insertion arm 50 as it travels the entire distance of the linear actuator 285.

[0047]

[0061] As is best seen in Figure 18, in order to synchronize the movement of the weft insertion arm 50 and the weaving ring 45, the shuttle 15 is equipped with one or more sensors configured to directly detect the presence of one or more landmarks at known angular positions within the loom 10. In one embodiment, the shuttle 15 may also be equipped with a magnetic sensor 410 that detects stationary magnets 412 installed around the loom 10. The detection of magnets 412 by the magnetic sensor 410 is communicated to the shuttle control panel 325 via a synchronization control signal 71, and upon receiving the communication, the shuttle control panel 325 selects to perform the desired command. In a similar manner, sensor 510 provides synchronization control signals 72, 73 to control panels 253 and 522, respectively.

[0048] [Weft thread break sensor]

[0062] Referring again to Figure 12, the weft break sensor 350 includes a magnetic Hall sensor 460 and a series of ceramic components. The weft yarn, not shown, is routed through three contact points. The first contact point is a fixed ceramic element 475 over which the weft is routed. The second contact point is a spring-loaded ceramic eyelet 480 biased by a spring 481, which has a rotational degree of freedom of 1 degree. The weft yarn is routed through the eyelet 480. The third contact point is a ceramic insert finger 300. When the weft breaks, the spring-loaded ceramic eyelet 480 rotates, exposing a magnet above the magnetic Hall sensor 460. The sensor 460 transmits a digital signal to the shuttle control panel 325.

[0049] [Electronic Control Unit]

[0063] As can be seen in Figure 12, the shuttle control panel 325 is powered by a battery 320. For example, a commercially available 6s LiPo battery may be used. The shuttle control panel 325 is a specialized control panel. The wireless communication panel 326 is a separate wireless connectivity module that receives signals from the main control system 70 (Figure 1) of the loom 10 (Figure 1). The wireless communication panel 326 can operate using various technologies, including but not limited to WiFi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, or wireless. The wireless communication panel 326 is connected to the shuttle control panel 325 via a wired connection and relays commands from the main control system 70 to the shuttle control panel 325. The shuttle control panel 325 can check commands and report errors. The shuttle control panel 325 preferably uses Modbus, a communication protocol that enables communication between programmable logic control units. However, other communication protocols may be used. A communication protocol is preferably used to enable the shuttle control panel 325 to communicate with the linear actuator 285 and the wireless modem. The shuttle control panel 325 receives digital signals from the weft break sensor 350 and analog signals from the linear position sensor 290. Battery charging is monitored by the shuttle control panel 325.

[0050] [ Heddle ]

[0064] In a standard circular loom, Heddle The unit is mechanically connected to the movement of the main core rotor and shuttle via a cam track and lever arm. Heddle The control is known in linear looms; see U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0048799, incorporated herein by reference. In annular loom 10, Heddle Unit 20 (Figure 1) is not mechanically connected to the main core. The rotation of the main core of the loom 10 HeddleThe transition is triggered, not by the cam system. Instead, as is best seen in Figures 14 and 15, the array of Hall effect sensors 510 Heddle It is electronically connected to unit 20. Figure 13 shows a perspective view of the loom 10 below the shuttle 15, while Figure 14 is a perspective view of the Hall array sensor 510. Heddle As can be seen from Figures 15 and 16, which show close-up views of Unit 20, each Heddle 500 has two operating states, high and low. The Hall effect sensor 510 acts as a synchronization sensor, and as the shuttle 15 passes over the sensor 510, it switches from high to low. Heddle The transition is triggered. As the shuttle 15 passes the sensor 510, the pusher block 520, which moves between the high and low positions, is automatically triggered. The shuttle pusher block 511 has a magnet 512 attached to it, and therefore the sensor 510 senses the passage of the magnet 512. Heddle From low to high 500 Heddle The transition is further Heddle It is controlled by control panel 522. Heddle The control panel 522 may be a separate control unit or it may be part of the control unit 70.

[0051]

[0065] As can be seen best from Figures 1, 15, and 16, each Heddle The unit has a belt-driven pusher block 520 that moves between a high position and a low position. The block 520 moves a group of individual jacquard hooks / fingers 521 between the high position and the low position. When moving upward, the jacquard hooks / fingers 521 are pushed by the pusher block 520. When moving downward, the jacquard hooks / fingers 521 Heddle It is pulled down by individual springs attached to the eyelets. At the top of the stroke, the jacquard hook / finger 521 is selectively locked / released by an electromagnetic latching mechanism. HeddleThe control panel 522 determines which jacquard hooks 521 are selectively locked or released, and the selection corresponds to any of the weaves. Details of the latch mechanism are described in detail in U.S. Patent No. 5,839,481, which is incorporated herein by reference. Each of the jacquard hooks 521 controls the position of the warp line. Heddle It is connected correspondingly to the eyelet. Referring to Figure 1, the pusher block motion is driven by a brushless DC motor 550 mounted on a timing belt loop 560. Alternatively, the belt may be replaced by a mechanical linkage mechanism such as a cranklocker or cam linkage. The position of the pusher block is controlled via a geared encoder 570 mounted on the main drive shaft. Alternatively, the position of the pusher block may be sensed directly.

[0052]

[0066] The Jacquard mechanism Heddle It is integrated into unit 20. Heddle Unit 20 has individual drive motors 550 and is therefore modular. Heddle Unit 20 can be installed at various positions on the loom and can be replaced as needed. Preferably, the loom 10 is fitted with 36 individual units. Heddle The unit has at least 18 functional Heddle It has 500, and each warp line is single Heddle The route is determined by passing through the eyelets. Heddle It is preferable that unit 20 can control the opening and closing of the warp shuttle opening 231 (Figure 11). When the shuttle 15 passes through the shuttle opening 231 during weaving... Heddle The units 20 open sequentially, opening the shuttle opening 231. This arrangement provides control of more than 720 warp lines. Other arrangements include: Heddle Increase the number of units 20 or 1 Heddle per unit Heddle By increasing the number, Heddle Allows for larger numbers of 500. In a particular weave, one HeddleSometimes, two or more warp lines are routed through eyelets.

[0053]

[0067] This arrangement allows the opening and closing of the shuttle profile 231 to be controlled independently of the movement of the shuttle 15. This makes it possible to change the weave pattern within the fabric product 100. The loom 10 can weave weaves in which multiple weft threads are passed through during a single warp shuttle opening, such as twill weave. Common twill weaves, including 2x1, 3x1, and 4x2 weaves, can also be achieved. Certain twill weaves reduce weft crossings, and the effective circumference of the fabric can be controlled by changing the weave pattern of these twill weaves.

[0054]

[0068] In one alternative embodiment shown in Figure 19, Heddle Unit 20 is not located in the same physical position as the main core of the annular loom 10, but rather is located some distance away from the core. Heddle The units 20 may be arranged in groups so that mechanical couplers and transmission elements can be shared among the units. Heddle The group of Unit 20 Heddle Known as Bank 610. Heddle Unit 20 can still maintain its inherent opening motion, Heddle adjacent within Bank 610 Heddle It is mechanically indexed. During weaving, mechanical indexing is Heddle The units 20 are opened sequentially, generating a sinusoidal shuttle pattern on the loom core. As shown in Figure 19, when viewed from the side, the resulting pattern is obtained. Heddle The eyelet positions would resemble a sine wave. The sine wave propagates with the angular motion of each shuttle, and each shuttle is captured by the open shuttle.

[0055]

[0069] In this embodiment, Heddle Unit 20 may be mechanically connected to the motion of the main core using a mechanical transmission device 620. HeddleUnit 20 may optionally be electronically coupled to the motion of the main core using the synchronization method described above or other known means such as an encoder. In either method, the individual actuation type Heddle The movement of the main core, weaving rings, and shuttles is still electronically synchronized, thus creating a changing weave pattern.

[0056]

[0070] As can be seen best from Figure 19, Heddle The eyelets 630 and springs 640 remain in the same position as the main core of the annular loom 10. The eyelets 630 are mechanically connected to the jacquard hooks 521 by the jacquard cord 650. The jacquard cord 650 can be routed in various configurations, Heddle The large mechanical components of unit 20 can be mounted remotely from the main core of the annular loom 10, thereby improving operator access to the weaving area of ​​the loom 10. Heddle or Heddle Unit 20 can be easily added.

[0057]

[0071] Referring to the diagrams above, during operation, when the fabric 100 is about to be woven, the master control unit 70 determines the angular position of the support arm 130 based on the desired diameter of the variable-diameter weaving ring 45. When the diameter of the weaving ring 45 is to be reduced, the winding winder 252 winds up the excess strip material 190 until the target position value is detected by the joint encoder 230 on the support arm 130. Conversely, when the diameter of the weaving ring 45 is to be increased, the chain drive 195 moves the support arm 130 to the desired position, while the winding winder 252 unwinds the excess strip material 190. The adjustment of the weaving ring diameter is made dynamically based on the desired output set by the control system 70 during weaving. The weft shuttle 15 is powered by the main motor (not shown separately) on the loom 10 and moves along the guide track (also not shown). Each weft shuttle 15 deposits the weft yarn 85 from the weft bobbin 280 on the shuttle 15 near the variable-diameter weaving ring 45. HeddleUnit 20 transitions before and after the weft shuttle 15 passes through. The weft shuttle 15 is enclosed within the warp shuttle opening 231, as is best seen in Figure 11. The transitioning warp yarn 80 captures the accumulated weft yarn 85 to create the weave, i.e., the structure of the fabric product 100 shown in Figure 3.

[0058]

[0072] To create woven fabric product 100, Heddle The weave pattern of unit 20, the diameter of the weaving ring 45, and the position of the shuttle weft insertion arm 50 must all change in a synchronized manner. To achieve this, a counter-based method may be employed. In this example, Heddle Unit 20, weaving ring 45, and weft shuttle 15 each have separate control panels, and these control panels, integrated with the loom control unit 70, constitute a distributed control system. The loom control unit 70, Heddle Separate weaving commands are sent to the unit control panel 522, the weaving ring control panel 253, and the shuttle control panel 325, and these commands are then executed locally in response to the synchronization control signal 71. This allows each device to maintain a synchronization count that reflects the number of times the synchronization control signal 71 has been received, thus ensuring that all devices can coordinately perform their respective desired actions. The weaving commands can be configured so that the desired action is performed only when a specified count value is reached. The weaving commands may be created in advance according to the desired characteristics of the woven fabric product 100, or they may be set directly by the operator during weaving.

[0059]

[0073] Product 100 may also be attached to other sections of the weave to form garment 700, as is best seen in Figure 17. Garment 700 may have first and second leg sections 710, 720 sewn together by seams 740 to form an entire garment 700, such as a pair of trousers. Preferably, each leg section 710, 720 of garment 700 is formed without seams.

[0060]

[0074] As pointed out above, the annular looms used until now were designed to weave with a fixed output size to create a fabric shape with an unchanging diameter. While such looms can be reconfigured to weave with different diameters, several components of the loom must be replaced to achieve such a change in diameter, and the loom must be re-threaded. Due to this constraint, such looms could not continuously weave fabric while changing the diameter. Based on the above, a variable-diameter weaving ring and an independently operated type Heddle It should be obvious that a loom with such a subject has the ability to continuously weave a fabric in which the diameter changes along the length of the fabric as it is produced.

[0061]

[0075] The final product may also undergo various other modifications. For example, the output fabric density also determines both the final size and quality of the woven product and may be modified in the preferred embodiments described above. Fabric density is defined in the textile industry as ends per inch ("EPI"), which is the count of warp threads per inch of fabric. To maintain the appearance and quality of the fabric, the output fabric's EPI must be kept quasi-constant across all weaving diameters, which is achieved through thread manipulation methods such as thread packing or thread dropping. Because the above methodologies involve individual control of the warp lines, they are not as independently operated as described above. Heddle The following techniques must be used. In thread packing, multiple adjacent lines move in a line and behave effectively as a single line as they are incorporated into the weave. In thread dropping, lines are selectively removed from the weave and later trimmed from the output fabric. It is also possible to reduce the number of weft crossings to match the intended weave diameter by varying the weave between common twill weave configurations such as 2x1, 3x1, and 4x2, thus reducing the effective weave perimeter of the fabric.

[0062]

[0076] As detailed above, the construction and operation of the invention allow the annular loom to directly weave garment components such as a single trouser leg, shirt sleeve, or dress. The ability to directly weave complete garments on demand is a significant advantage. [Aspect 1] A circular loom for continuously weaving fabric while changing its diameter, the circular loom comprises the following: Variable diameter weaving ring, A set of independently operating heddles, each configured to control the shudder opening of the warp line, A shuttle comprising at least one weft insertion arm, wherein the weft insertion arm is configured to adapt to the change in the diameter of the weaving ring, Annular loom comprising: a control system for controlling the action of the weft insertion arm, the action of the independently operating heddle set, the action of the weaving ring, and the action of at least one shuttle in response to the change in the diameter of the weaving ring. [Aspect 2] The annular loom described in Embodiment 1, An annular loom further comprising a rail for supporting the weft insertion arm, and an actuator for linearly adjusting the weft insertion arm along the rail. [Aspect 3] In the circular loom described in Embodiment 1, The control system electronically synchronizes the operation of the heddle, the operation of the weaving ring, and the operation of the at least one shuttle in a ring loom. [Aspect 4] The annular loom described in embodiment 3, Annular loom further comprising an array of magnetic sensors used in a step of synchronizing the action of the held, the action of the weaving ring, and the action of at least one shuttle. [Aspect 5] In the circular loom described in Embodiment 1, Annular loom, wherein the control system is configured to establish the operation of the held, the operation of the weaving ring, and the operation of the at least one shuttle based on weaving instructions created according to desired characteristics of a woven fabric product. [Aspect 6] In the circular loom described in Embodiment 1, The control system comprises at least two of the following: a master loom control panel, a heddle control panel, a shuttle control panel, and a weaving ring control panel, for an annular loom. [Aspect 7] The annular loom described in Embodiment 1, The annular loom further comprises two support arms mounted for synchronous motion, each support arm including a pivotally mounted guide configured to slidably support the variable-diameter weaving ring. [Aspect 8] In the annular loom described in Embodiment 7, An annular loom, in which each guide includes a plurality of fingers or rollers configured to support the variable-diameter weaving ring. [Aspect 9] In the annular loom described in Embodiment 7, The aforementioned variable-diameter weaving ring is made of a flexible strip, forming a ring loom. [Aspect 10] The annular loom described in aspect 9, The annular loom further comprises a winding mechanism, wherein a portion of the flexible strip is arranged in a circular shape to form the variable-diameter weaving ring, and a portion of the flexible strip is housed on the winding mechanism, thereby increasing the diameter of the weaving ring by moving the support arm and moving a portion of the flexible strip away from the winding mechanism. [Aspect 11] In the circular loom described in Embodiment 1, An annular loom in which at least one of the shuttles includes a sensor for detecting weft breakage. [Aspect 12] In the circular loom described in Embodiment 1, Annular loom, wherein the control system is configured to dynamically adjust the diameter of the variable-diameter weaving ring based on a desired output. [Aspect 13] In the annular loom described in Embodiment 12, Annular loom, wherein the control system is configured to communicate with at least one shuttle to control the weft insertion point based on the diameter of the weaving ring. [Aspect 14] In the annular loom described in Embodiment 13, Annular loom, wherein the control system is configured to communicate with a set of independently operating heddles to control the opening movement of the warp lines in order to achieve a desired weave pattern. [Aspect 15] A method for continuously weaving a fabric with a changing diameter using a circular loom comprising a weaving ring, a set of helds, and at least one shuttle, A step of changing the diameter of the weaving ring, A step of independently operating the set of helds to control the shudder opening of the warp line, A step of adjusting the position of the weft insertion arm for at least one shuttle in accordance with the change in the diameter of the weaving ring, A method comprising the steps of controlling the action of the weft insertion arm, the action of the held set, the action of the weaving ring, and the action of the at least one shuttle in response to a change in the diameter of the weaving ring. [Aspect 16] In the method described in Embodiment 15, The annular loom comprises a rail for supporting the weft insertion arm, and the method further comprises the step of controlling an actuator that adjusts the weft insertion arm along the rail. [Aspect 17] The method according to aspect 16, A method further comprising the step of adjusting the position of the weft insertion arm using an actuator that moves the weft insertion arm linearly along the rail. [Aspect 18] The method according to aspect 15, A method further comprising the step of electronically synchronizing the action of the held, the action of the weaving ring, and the action of the at least one shuttle based on instructions created according to desired characteristics of a woven fabric product. [Aspect 19] In the method described in Embodiment 15, A method wherein the loom includes two support arms, and the step of changing the diameter of the weaving ring includes the step of moving the support arms synchronously. [Aspect 20] In the method described in aspect 19, The loom is equipped with a winding mechanism, the weaving ring is made of a flexible strip, a portion of the strip is mounted on the winding mechanism, and the step of changing the diameter of the weaving ring further comprises the step of increasing the diameter of the weaving ring by moving the support arm away from the center of the weaving ring and moving a portion of the flexible strip away from the winding mechanism. [Aspect 21] The method according to aspect 15, A method further comprising the step of operating each of the aforementioned heddles using individual actuators positioned on each of the aforementioned heddles. [Aspect 22] In the method described in Embodiment 15, The method further comprises the step of detecting weft damage using the sensor, wherein at least one of the shuttles is equipped with a sensor. [Aspect 23] The method according to aspect 15, A method further comprising the steps of: dynamically adjusting the diameter of the weaving ring based on a desired output; and controlling the weft insertion point based on the diameter of the weaving ring. [Aspect 24] The method according to embodiment 23, A method further comprising the step of communicating with a set of independently operating heddles to control the opening movement of the warp lines in order to achieve a desired weave. [Explanation of symbols]

[0063] 10 Looms 15 Shuttle 20 Heddle unit 25 erect Heddle unit 30 Handstand Heddle unit 35 Space 45 Variable diameter weaving ring 50 Variable position weft insertion arm 70 Control Systems 71, 72, 73 Synchronization control signals 80 warp lines, warp yarn 85 Weft line, weft yarn 90 Weft insertion point 100 Fabric Products 105 Fell Line 115 Support Guide 125 Flexible band 130 Support Arm 155. Overlap points or overlapping locations 190 Surplus material 195 Chain Drive 196 Output shaft 200 chain 210 sprocket 230 Joint Encoder 231 Warp Shuttle 235 Maximum unsupported band length 240 Joiner Guide 250 Inner Finger 251 Outer finger 252 Electric Winder 253 Weaving Ring Control Panel 255 motor 260 Gear Reduction Unit 265 Pulley 270 Coupler 271 wheels 275 Pulley Encoder 280 weft bobbins 285 Linear Actuator 289 Linear guide or rail system 290 Position Sensor 291 Weft bobbin 300 Insertion Fingers 320 batteries 325 Shuttle control panel 326 Wireless Communication Panel 350 Weft thread breakage sensor 360 Stepping Motor 370 Integrated Encoder 380 1:1 Belt Drive System 390 Lead Screw Drive Assembly 395 Carriage 400 Lead Screw 410 Magnetic Sensor 412 Stationary magnet 460 Magnetic Hall Sensor 475 Fixed ceramic element 480 Spring-loaded ceramic eyelets 481 spring 500 Heddle 510 Sensor 511 Shuttle Pusher Arm 512 Magnets 520 Pusher Blocks 521 Jacquard Hook 522 Heddle control panel 550 Brushless DC Motor 560 Timing Belt Loop 570 Geared Encoder 610 Heddle bank 620 Mechanical transmission equipment 630 Heddle eyelets 640 spring 650 Jacquard Cord 700 Clothes 710, 720 Legs 740 stitches

Claims

1. A circular loom for continuously weaving fabric while changing its diameter, the circular loom comprises the following: A weaving ring with a variable diameter, A set of independently operating heddles, each configured to control the shudder opening of the warp line, A shuttle comprising at least one weft insertion arm, wherein the weft insertion arm is configured to adapt to the change in the diameter of the weaving ring, The system includes a control system for controlling the action of the weft insertion arm, the action of the independently operating heddle set, the action of the weaving ring, and the action of at least one shuttle in response to the change in the diameter of the weaving ring. The control system electronically synchronizes the action of the heddle, the action of the weaving ring, and the action of the at least one shuttle in a ring loom.

2. The annular loom according to claim 1, An annular loom further comprising a rail for supporting the weft insertion arm, and an actuator for linearly adjusting the weft insertion arm along the rail.

3. The annular loom according to claim 1, Annular loom further comprising an array of magnetic sensors used in a step of synchronizing the action of the heddle, the action of the weaving ring, and the action of at least one shuttle.

4. In the annular loom according to claim 1, Annular loom, wherein the control system is configured to establish the action of the heddle, the action of the weaving ring, and the action of the at least one shuttle based on weaving instructions created according to desired characteristics of a woven fabric product.

5. In the annular loom according to claim 1, The control system comprises at least two of the following: a master loom control panel, a heddle control panel, a shuttle control panel, and a weaving ring control panel, for an annular loom.

6. The annular loom according to claim 1, The annular loom further comprises two support arms mounted for synchronous motion, each support arm including a pivotally mounted guide configured to slidably support the variable-diameter weaving ring.

7. In the annular loom according to claim 6, An annular loom, in which each guide includes a plurality of fingers or rollers configured to support the variable-diameter weaving ring.

8. In the annular loom according to claim 6, The aforementioned variable-diameter weaving rings are made of flexible strips, forming a ring loom.

9. The annular loom according to claim 8, The annular loom further comprises a winding mechanism, wherein a portion of the flexible strip is arranged in a circular shape to form a weaving ring of a variable diameter, and a portion of the flexible strip is housed on the winding mechanism, thereby increasing the diameter of the weaving ring by moving the support arm and moving a portion of the flexible strip away from the winding mechanism.

10. In the annular loom according to claim 1, An annular loom in which at least one of the shuttles includes a sensor for detecting weft breakage.

11. In the annular loom according to claim 1, Annular loom, wherein the control system is configured to dynamically adjust the diameter of the variable-diameter weaving ring based on a desired output.

12. In the annular loom according to claim 11, Annular loom, wherein the control system is configured to communicate with at least one shuttle to control the weft insertion point based on the diameter of the weaving ring.

13. In the annular loom according to claim 12, Annular loom, wherein the control system is configured to communicate with a set of independently operating heddles to control the opening movement of the warp lines in order to achieve a desired weave pattern.

14. A method for continuously weaving a fabric with a changing diameter using a circular loom comprising a weaving ring, a set of heddles, and at least one shuttle, A step of changing the diameter of the weaving ring, A step of independently operating the set of heddle in order to control the shudder opening of the warp line, A step of adjusting the position of the weft insertion arm for at least one shuttle in accordance with the change in the diameter of the weaving ring, The process includes controlling the action of the weft insertion arm, the action of the heddle setting, the action of the weaving ring, and the action of at least one shuttle in response to the change in the diameter of the weaving ring, A method in which the action of the heddle, the action of the weaving ring, and the action of the at least one shuttle are electronically synchronized.

15. In the method according to claim 14, The annular loom comprises a rail for supporting the weft insertion arm, and the method further comprises the step of controlling an actuator that adjusts the weft insertion arm along the rail.

16. The method according to claim 15, A method further comprising the step of adjusting the position of the weft insertion arm using an actuator that moves the weft insertion arm linearly along the rail.

17. The method according to claim 14, A method further comprising the step of electronically synchronizing the action of the heddle, the action of the weaving ring, and the action of the at least one shuttle based on instructions created according to desired characteristics of a woven fabric product.

18. In the method according to claim 14, A method wherein the annular loom includes two support arms, and the step of changing the diameter of the weaving ring includes the step of moving the support arms synchronously.

19. In the method according to claim 18, The annular loom is equipped with a winding mechanism, the weaving ring is made of a flexible strip, a portion of the strip is mounted on the winding mechanism, and the step of changing the diameter of the weaving ring further comprises the step of increasing the diameter of the weaving ring by moving the support arm away from the center of the weaving ring and moving a portion of the flexible strip away from the winding mechanism.

20. The method according to claim 14, A method further comprising the step of operating each of the heddles using individual actuators positioned on each of the heddles.

21. In the method according to claim 14, The method further comprises the step of detecting weft damage using the sensor, wherein at least one of the shuttles is equipped with a sensor.

22. The method according to claim 14, A method further comprising the steps of dynamically adjusting the diameter of the weaving ring based on a desired output, and controlling the weft insertion point based on the diameter of the weaving ring.

23. A method according to claim 22, A method further comprising the step of communicating with a set of heddles that operate independently to control the opening movement of the warp lines in order to achieve a desired weave.

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