Fabric Contour Formation Using Deviating Warp Threads

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for producing fabrics that are true to shape, especially with high-performance fiber materials, result in material waste, inefficiency, and difficulties in handling due to loose edges, as they require complex cutting processes and are limited in flexibility and homogeneity.

Innovation Solution

The use of additional warp threads that deviate from the standard warp direction and are made of high-performance materials to create flexible and efficient fabric contours, allowing for any desired shape without waste, by integrating these threads into the weaving process using modified open reed weave technology.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If cutting methods are used to produce true-to-shape fabrics from high-performance fiber materials, then the fabric contour accuracy is improved, but material waste increases and production time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefabric contour accuracyVSAvoidmaterial waste
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by incorporating additional warp threads during the weaving process that pre-form the desired fabric contour. These extra warp threads are integrated into the fabric structure before cutting, allowing the fabric to be woven to its final shape without requiring subsequent cutting operations that would generate waste. The additional warp threads are positioned to create the exact contour needed, eliminating the need for post-weaving cutting and thus preventing material waste.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the warp threads into two categories: standard warp threads that form the main fabric body and additional warp threads that form the contour. This segmentation allows the contour-forming threads to be independently controlled and positioned, enabling precise contour formation while maintaining the integrity of the main fabric structure. The additional warp threads can be selectively removed or retained based on the desired final shape.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Manufacturing precision

If cutting methods are used to produce true-to-shape fabrics, then the fabric contour accuracy is improved, but production cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefabric contour accuracyVSAvoidproduction complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by incorporating additional warp threads during the weaving process that pre-form the desired fabric contour. These extra warp threads are integrated into the fabric structure before cutting, allowing the fabric to be woven to its final shape without requiring subsequent cutting operations that would generate waste. The additional warp threads are positioned to create the exact contour needed, eliminating the need for post-weaving cutting and thus preventing material waste.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies self-service by designing the weaving process to automatically form the desired contour through the integration of additional warp threads. The weaving machine itself performs the contour-forming function that would otherwise require separate cutting operations. The additional warp threads self-organize to create the final fabric shape, eliminating the need for external cutting equipment and reducing production complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If conventional weaving is used, then production efficiency is maintained, but the fabric cannot achieve true-to-shape contours

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction efficiencyVSAvoidfabric contour accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the fabric width variable through the use of additional warp threads that can be selectively activated or deactivated at different positions along the fabric length. This allows the fabric contour to dynamically change width according to the desired shape, while the weaving process continues without interruption. The additional warp threads can be introduced and removed at specific points, creating a dynamic contour that adapts to the final product requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies universality by designing the additional warp threads to serve multiple functions: they form the fabric contour, provide structural support during weaving, and can be selectively retained or removed based on the desired final shape. The same weaving mechanism that produces the main fabric body also simultaneously creates the contour, making the weaving process multi-functional and eliminating the need for separate contour-forming operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Shape

If V-weaving reed is used to change local warp density, then fabric width variation is achieved, but only inhomogeneous fabrics can be produced and flexibility is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefabric width variationVSAvoidmethod flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by allowing different warp threads to have different functions at different locations along the fabric. Standard warp threads maintain uniform density in the main fabric body, while additional warp threads are selectively positioned to create local contour variations. This local differentiation enables precise contour control without compromising the homogeneity of the main fabric structure, and allows flexible adaptation to various product requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies dynamics by making the fabric width variable through the use of additional warp threads that can be selectively activated or deactivated at different positions along the fabric length. This allows the fabric contour to dynamically change width according to the desired shape, while the weaving process continues without interruption. The additional warp threads can be introduced and removed at specific points, creating a dynamic contour that adapts to the final product requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2832906B1Fabric, method and device for its manufacture
Publication Date: 2020.05.27 TECHNISCHE UNIVERSITAT DRESDEN
  • EP2832906B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2832906B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2832906B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a fabric (1) with a plurality of linear and parallel warp threads (2) and a plurality of linear and parallel weft threads (3). The fabric (1) according to the invention is characterized in that the outer contour of the fabric (1) is formed in one or more sections (21, 23; 25, 26; 27; 28; 29; 30) along the fabric (1) by at least one additional warp thread (5; 6; 7; 8; 9) which deviates from the straight warp direction (K) and/or does not extend continuously, wherein the additional warp thread(s) (5; 6; 7; 8; 9) preferably consist of high-performance material, for example in the form of glass fibers, ceramic fibers, carbon fibers, steel fibers, wire or thermoplastic materials. The invention also relates to a corresponding method and a corresponding apparatus.