Automated Weft Bobbin Changing Mechanism for Circular Looms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing circular looms require manual stopping and cumbersome handling to replace used weft bobbins, leading to increased idle times and potential damage risks.
Innovation Solution
A weft bobbin changing device with a guide system and gripper mechanism that allows for automated and safe replacement of bobbins, reducing manual intervention and operational demands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual bobbin replacement is used, then the structure is simple, but the idle time increases and operational reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The bobbin changing device enables the circular loom to replace bobbins automatically without manual intervention. The device includes a changing device with grippers that automatically grasp, remove, and replace bobbins on shuttles, allowing the system to service itself and maintain continuous operation without operator involvement.
Solution Approach 2:
The device prepares replacement bobbins in advance by storing them in a magazine positioned above the circular reed. When a shuttle requires a bobbin change, the system has pre-positioned replacement bobbins ready for immediate installation, eliminating waiting time and ensuring continuous operation.
2Productivity
If manual bobbin handling is used, then the device complexity is low, but the handling time and idle time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The automated bobbin changing device performs the entire replacement operation autonomously. The changing device with its gripper mechanism automatically removes spent bobbins and installs fresh ones without operator intervention, significantly reducing the time required for bobbin changes and eliminating idle time between operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The bobbin changing function has been extracted from manual operation and implemented as a separate automated device. This extraction allows the main circular loom to continue operating while the specialized changing device handles bobbin replacement independently, improving overall productivity without complicating the main weaving mechanism.
3Loss of time
If automated bobbin changing is implemented, then idle time is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bobbin changing device is segmented into functional modules: a magazine for storing replacement bobbins, a changing device with grippers for removal and installation, and a guide device for positioning. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall system manageability and reducing complexity through functional specialization.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide device acts as an intermediary between the magazine and the circular reed, positioning the changing device accurately at the correct location for bobbin replacement. This intermediary component ensures precise alignment and coordination between different parts of the system, enabling automated operation without requiring complex direct connections between all components.
4Reliability
If manual bobbin replacement is used, then the handling is simple, but the risk of damage to bobbins, fabric, and loom increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated changing device with precision grippers performs bobbin replacement without manual handling. The grippers are designed to grasp bobbins gently and precisely, eliminating the risk of operator error that could damage bobbins, fabric, or loom components. The system services itself with consistent, controlled movements that prevent accidental damage.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical handling of bobbins has been replaced with an automated mechanical system. The changing device uses controlled mechanical grippers and guide mechanisms to handle bobbins, replacing the unpredictable manual operations with precise, programmable movements that reduce the risk of damage while maintaining simplicity of operation.
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 1c
AI summary
The invention relates to a circular weaving machine (1), comprising a main axis (2e); a circular reed (2); a warp-band feeding device (3a) for feeding warp bands (4); at least two shuttles (12), which circulate along the circular reed (2) and each have a bobbin holder (15) for holding a weft bobbin (13; 13a, 13b) for rotation about the longitudinal axis (16) of the weft bobbin, wherein the bobbin holder (15) is designed to keep the longitudinal axis (16) of the weft bobbin (13) substantially parallel to the circulation direction (17) of the shuttle (12) as the shuttle (12) circulates; a weft-bobbin changing device (18) for replacing a weft bobbin (13) held in the bobbin holder (15) of the shuttle (12); and a guiding device (19) for guiding the changing device (18) between a standby position raised from the bobbin holder (15) and a changing position lowered to the bobbin holder (15).