Double-Axis Cloth Plaiting for Tangling-Free Dyeing Airflow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fabric dyeing machines face issues with fabric tangling and uneven airflow due to inefficient plaiting devices, which lead to reduced pressure, increased energy consumption, and limited production efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A double-axis plaiting device with a motorized four-bar linkage system, pneumatic piston, and ball-and-socket joints ensures seamless movement and efficient airflow distribution, preventing fabric tangling and optimizing space utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If single directional plaiting is used to guide fabrics into the storage chamber, then fabric guidance is simplified, but fabric tangling and squeezing occur due to single plane stacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from single-directional plaiting to double-axis plaiting, adding a second dimension of movement. The plaiting device now operates on both horizontal and vertical axes, enabling fabrics to be distributed in multiple planes within the storage chamber rather than stacking in a single plane, thereby preventing tangling and squeezing
2Object-generated harmful factors
If a big shell is used to cover the plaiting range to prevent collision, then fabric protection is improved, but space occupation increases and pressure is reduced causing uneven blow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the big shell covering from the plaiting device. Instead of using a large protective shell, the design relies on the precise double-axis plaiting mechanism to naturally guide fabrics without collision, eliminating the need for space-consuming protective structures and maintaining uniform air pressure distribution
3Device complexity
If curved outlet is designed to match the plaiter, then plaiter fitting is improved, but wind blow efficiency is reduced causing fabric dispersion failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional approach by designing the plaiter to match a straight nozzle outlet rather than curving the outlet to match a pre-designed plaiter. This inversion maintains the optimal straight airflow path from the nozzle while the plaiter is configured to work efficiently with this straight outlet, preserving wind blow efficiency
4Adaptability or versatility
If two motors are used to drive both axes of double-axis plaiting device, then plaiting functionality is improved, but energy consumption increases causing high production cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the driving functions into a single motor system. The first motor drives the plaiter along the horizontal axis, while the second motor drives the entire plaiting device assembly along the vertical axis. This combining of motion requirements into a coordinated two-stage driving system reduces the total motor count and energy consumption while maintaining double-axis plaiting capability
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
The solution effectively aligns fabrics in a sparser pattern, reducing tangling and maintaining airflow efficiency while minimizing energy consumption and production costs.
Implementation Method 1
the piston (3) being connected to a plunger (14) of an air cylinder (13), wherein said plunger and piston reciprocate pneumatically
Implementation Method 2
The double axis plaiting device for dyeing machines introduced in this invention comprises the features according to claims 1-5. The plaiting device for dyeing machines introduced in this invention is characterized in that the transmission shaft (5) being connected to a rocker (10), said rocker forms a motorized four-bar linkage system with a crank (8), a linkage rod (9) and the motor (7)
Implementation Method 3
using a ball and socket joint to convert a linear movement to a reciprocation movement between the plaiter and the support ring
Data Source
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AI summary
The plaiting device for dyeing machines introduced in this invention comprises a connecting tube, a plaiter, a motor and a cylinder, characterized in that said device further includes a support ring; said support ring has a pair of sleeve and a transmission shaft, the ring connecting to the plaiter, is also driven by a piston. The shaft also connects to a four bar linkage system and the motor. The piston connects to the plunger of an air cylinder. The pneumatic control and motor is manipulated by the automation system on a dyeing machine. The outer shape at the end of connecting tube is spherical while the top of plaiter is circular covering said end of tube concentrically with matched diameter such that said plaiter moves seamlessly around the end of connecting tube. There could be multiple sets of four bar linkage systems where each connects to a plaiter. This invention is applicable in fabric dyeing industry.