Dropwire Transfer Module With Circular-Path Lever Clamping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dropwire transfer systems in looms are inefficient and imprecise due to the use of linear actuators, which are slow and lack a rigid connection between the actuators and the casing, leading to imprecise displacements of dropwires.
Innovation Solution
A dropwire transfer module with a clamping device that uses a reciprocally rotating lever mechanism, allowing for a rotational movement of the carriage along a circular path, driven by a single actuator, to accurately transfer dropwires onto a holding element without requiring movable actuators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If linear actuators are used to drive the carriage, then the structure is simple, but the transfer speed is slow and precision is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curved surface geometry by replacing linear translational movement with rotational movement along a circular arc path. The carriage moves along a curved guide surface that forms a circular arc, transforming the motion trajectory from linear to curved, which increases transfer speed while maintaining structural simplicity through a single actuator.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the static linear actuator system into a dynamic rotational system. The actuator drives the carriage along a curved path that dynamically adjusts the transfer trajectory, enabling faster and more precise positioning compared to fixed linear movement, while the single actuator maintains system simplicity.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple movable actuators are used on the rotating transport unit, then the transfer precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple actuator functions into a single actuator by combining the carriage drive and positioning functions. The single actuator simultaneously controls the carriage movement along the curved path and the abutment part retraction, achieving precise dropwire positioning without requiring multiple separate actuators, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The single actuator is designed with multi-functionality, serving both to drive the carriage along the curved transfer path and to control the abutment part retraction for precise positioning. This universal actuator replaces multiple specialized actuators, reducing system complexity while achieving the required positioning precision through its dual functions.
3Manufacturing precision
If linear actuators with translational movement are used, then the structure is simple, but the connection rigidity between actuator and casing is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a curved guide surface that forms a circular arc to guide the carriage movement. This curved geometry provides rigid geometric constraints that ensure precise displacement control, replacing the less rigid linear guide structures. The curved path inherently maintains connection rigidity through its geometric definition, achieving high displacement precision without compromising structural strength.
4Productivity
If rotational movement along a circular path is used, then the transfer speed and precision are improved, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the transfer operation into distinct phases: the carriage movement phase along the curved path and the abutment part retraction phase. This segmentation allows each component to perform its function independently and efficiently, with the curved guide handling the high-speed positional transfer and the abutment mechanism handling the precise clamping action, thereby improving overall productivity without excessive mechanism complexity.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
A dropwire transfer module includes a casing (40), an abutment part (50) movable relative to the casing, parallel to a transfer direction (D12), and forming an abutment surface (S50), an actuator, a clamping device including a first lever (66) and a carriage (62) forming a clamping surface (S62). The first lever (66) is configured to be reciprocally rotated relative to the casing (40) by the actuator, around a first rotation axis (Z1) fixed in position with respect to the casing (40). A rotational movement of the first lever (66) in a clamping rotation direction (R) causes a movement of the carriage into a disengaged position, where the clamping device (60) is completely offset of the abutment surface (S50) perpendicularly to the transfer direction (D12), an intermediate position, where the clamping surface (S62) cooperates with the abutment surface (S50) in the transfer direction (D12), with a dropwire (18a) in-between, the abutment part (50) being in the advanced position, and a final position, where the clamping surface (S62) and the abutment surface (S50) clamp the dropwire (18a) between them, the abutment part (50) being in the retracted position. At least on a portion of the movement of the carriage (62) between the disengaged position and the intermediate position, the carriage (62) follows a circular path located in a plane perpendicular to the first rotation axis (Z1).