Coaxial Drive Unit with Electromagnetic Coupling for Loom Safety

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing drive units for weaving looms with independent motors face limitations in safety and mechanical synchronism, leading to potential collisions and operational inefficiencies, particularly due to the risk of phase displacement and power failures, which compromise both machine integrity and operator safety.

Innovation Solution

A drive unit with coaxial motors and a passive or viscous electromagnetic spring joint allows for independent operation or synchronized rotation, enabling flexible use and automatic safety mode activation when phase displacement exceeds safety limits or during power failures, ensuring mechanical-axis connection for safety.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If independent motors are used for driving loom and weaving machine, then use flexibility and adaptability are improved, but safety and mechanical synchronism deteriorate due to phase displacement risks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuse flexibilityVSAvoidsafety

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

An electromagnetic coupling device is introduced as an intermediary between the two independent motors. This coupling device magnetically links the drive shafts of both motors, creating a mechanical-axis connection that ensures synchronized rotation and prevents phase displacement, while allowing the motors to operate independently for flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical coupling mechanisms with an electromagnetic coupling system. The electromagnetic coupling provides a non-contact magnetic field connection between the two motors, eliminating the need for direct mechanical linkages while maintaining synchronous operation and improving reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If passive or viscous electromagnetic spring joint is used, then safety through mechanical-axis connection is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesafetyVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electromagnetic coupling device allows dynamic adjustment of coupling parameters such as magnetic field strength and viscosity characteristics. By changing these parameters, the system can operate in different modes (passive or viscous) to maintain safety while adapting to different operational requirements, thereby managing complexity through parameter control rather than structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If coaxial motors with electromagnetic coupling are used, then safety and synchronism are improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical synchronismVSAvoidmanufacturing precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The electromagnetic coupling device automatically self-aligns and self-adjusts during operation to maintain optimal magnetic field alignment between the two coaxial motors. This self-service capability compensates for minor manufacturing tolerances and reduces the stringency of precision requirements during assembly and operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This solution provides enhanced safety and flexibility by allowing independent or synchronized motor operation, reducing the risk of collisions and maintaining efficient operation, while minimizing bulk and maintenance costs through a compact design and efficient energy use.

Implementation Method 1

both motors have a second power takeoff, through which they can be made mutually integral to rotation by means of a passive or viscous electromagnetic spring joint

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic coupling: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

passive or viscous electromagnetic spring joint

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectViscous damping: Viscous Damping

Data Source

PatentEP2341170B1Drive unit for weaving looms with a high degree of use flexibility, provided with safety controlling device for possible critical phase displacements of the moving mechanical members and weaving process using such unit

Publication Date: 2012.10.03 ITEMA

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AI summary

Drive unit (1) for weaving looms, of the type comprising a first electric motor (2) driving the moving members of the loom (T) which cause the insertion and beating of the weft, a second electric motor (3) driving the weaving machine (A) which causes the opening/closing movement of the warp yarns for shed forming and an electric-axis control system to maintain the synchronisation and/or the desired degree of phase displacement between said moving members of the loom (T) and said weaving machine (A). Said first and second motor (2, 3) are mounted coaxially and are both provided with a second power takeoff, said second power takeoffs being adjacent and mutually connected through an electromagnetic connection, disengageable by energising the electromagnet.