Electromagnetic Weft Brake Lever Mechanism for High-Speed Looms

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing controlled thread brakes in weaving machines have slow reaction times and high manufacturing costs, making them unsuitable for high-speed weaving machines and difficult to control with high shot numbers.

Innovation Solution

A thread brake design featuring a flexible brake band, a stationary brake body, an electromagnet, and a rotatable lever that allows for quick braking and adjustable force, with optional additional electromagnets and spring elements for enhanced control and low production costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a servomotor is used to control the brake body lifting movement, then the braking force and timing can be controlled, but the reaction time becomes slow (30 ms or more) and manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebraking force controlVSAvoidreaction time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the servomotor (electromechanical system) with an electromagnet (electromagnetic system) that directly actuates the brake band. This substitution eliminates the mechanical conversion steps and reduces reaction time to under 10 ms while maintaining braking force control through electromagnetic force adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts and eliminates the servomotor component from the brake system, retaining only the essential electromagnetic actuation mechanism. This simplification removes the source of delay while preserving the controlled braking function through direct electromagnetic actuation of the brake band.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Ease of operation

If a servomotor is used to control the brake body lifting movement, then the braking force and timing can be controlled, but the manufacturing cost becomes high

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebraking force controlVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the expensive servomotor with a cost-effective electromagnet system. The electromagnet uses simple electromagnetic components and standard mechanical parts, significantly reducing manufacturing cost while providing the required controlled braking function through electromagnetic force adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes the complex servomotor mechanism with a simpler electromagnetic actuation system. This replacement maintains braking force control capability while using cheaper, more straightforward components that are easier to manufacture and assemble.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Object-generated harmful factors

If the brake band is lifted 1 to 2 mm during braking, then a self-cleaning effect is achieved, but the braking force must be precisely controlled

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebrake bath contaminationVSAvoidbraking force control
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs dynamic control of the electromagnet to lift the brake band by 1 to 2 mm during braking, creating a self-cleaning effect that removes brake bath contamination. The electromagnetic force is dynamically adjusted to maintain this lifting distance while providing sufficient braking force, achieving both cleaning and braking functions simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 provides a fast-reacting thread brake with response times under 10 ms, enabling precise control over braking force and suitability for high-speed weaving machines, along with reduced production costs and a wide range of yarn compatibility.

Implementation Method 1

an electromagnet and a rotatable or tiltable lever which can be moved by means of the electromagnet and which is operatively connected to the brake band in order to exert a pull in the longitudinal direction of the brake band

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnet: Electromagnet

Implementation Method 2

the thread brake includes a spring element for releasing the thread brake, for example a tension or compression spring that acts on the lever and/or a torsion spring at the pivot point of the lever

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Implementation Method 3

apply or press the same to brake the weft thread on the brake body

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP1811068B1Controlled weft brake
Publication Date: 2009.06.17 SULTEX AG
  • EP1811068B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1811068B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1811068B1 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

The controlled thread brake has a brake band (3) and a brake body (2). The thread brake (1) has an electromagnet (6, 6') and a rotatable or rocking lever (4) which can be moved by the electromagnet and which is operationally connected to the brake band in order to exert a pulling force in the longitudinal direction of the brake band and to place it against the brake body for braking a weft thread. An independent claim is included for a weaving machine.