Heald Frame Corner Connecting Device Clamping Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing corner connecting devices for heald frames in weaving machines lack a reliable and repeatable dismountable connection between side and transverse elements, leading to potential misalignment and instability.

Innovation Solution

A corner connecting device featuring a receiving element with first and second legs that house a tongue element, and a pressure element applying a force perpendicular to the assembly direction to clamp the tongue element, with inclined contact surfaces to decompose the force and ensure secure engagement, allowing for repeatable and reliable connection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a corner connecting device is used to connect side element and transverse element, then the connection is dismountable and reusable, but the connection reliability and alignment precision are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedismountable connectionVSAvoidconnection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The corner connecting device is divided into separate components: a receiving element with legs that can be inserted into the transverse element cavity, and a pressure element that applies clamping force. This segmentation allows for easy assembly and disassembly while maintaining connection reliability through the designed interaction between components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The receiving element acts as an intermediary between the side element (via tongue element) and the transverse element. It provides a mediating structure that enables dismountable connection while ensuring reliable force transmission and alignment through its geometric design and interaction with the cavity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Strength

If a pressure element applies force perpendicular to assembly direction to clamp the tongue element, then the connection strength is improved, but the receiving element may not move deeper into the cavity for secure engagement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclamping forceVSAvoidengagement depth
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The pressure element is designed to apply force in a direction perpendicular to the assembly direction (transverse dimension), which indirectly achieves the desired effect in the assembly direction (longitudinal dimension). This dimensional transformation allows clamping force application without direct longitudinal forcing, enabling both strong clamping and proper engagement depth.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The contact surfaces between the pressure element and receiving element, as well as between the receiving element and cavity, are designed with specific geometric curvatures and angles. These curved surfaces guide the force distribution and ensure that perpendicular clamping force results in the receiving element moving deeper into the cavity for secure engagement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the receiving element is housed moveable in the cavity of the transverse element, then the connection allows for adjustment and assembly tolerance compensation, but the stability and position precision are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadjustabilityVSAvoidposition precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The receiving element is pre-designed with specific geometric features (leg angles, contact surfaces) that automatically guide its movement and positioning within the cavity. This preliminary geometric configuration ensures that as the element moves during assembly, it naturally achieves the correct final position with high precision, compensating for tolerance variations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The design allows for controlled movement of the receiving element within the cavity, changing its position parameter during assembly. This movement enables adaptation to manufacturing tolerances while the final positioned state maintains high position precision through the designed geometric constraints and contact surfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 secure, repeatable, and reliable connection between side and transverse elements, preventing misalignment and ensuring stability, even in high-speed applications, by effectively clamping the tongue element and moving the receiving element deeper into the cavity, thus enhancing the overall performance of the heald frame and weaving machine.

Implementation Method 1

a connecting force applied to the pressure element perpendicular to the assembly direction urges the first leg and the second leg towards each other for clamping the tongue element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectClamping force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

a contact surface in which the pressure element contacts the receiving element is arranged for decomposing a the connecting force into a first component perpendicular to the assembly direction urging the first leg and the second leg towards each other and a second component urging the receiving element in the assembly direction deeper into the cavity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectForce decomposition: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 3

a second component urging the receiving element in the assembly direction deeper into the cavity. The movement of the receiving element in the assembly direction with respect to the transverse element while the receiving element is clamping the tongue element urges the side element, which is carrying the tongue element, towards the transverse element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectForce-driven movement: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP3191633B1Corner connecting device for a heald frame
Publication Date: 2018.09.26 PICANOL NV
  • EP3191633B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3191633B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3191633B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

Corner connecting device for connecting a side element (7, 8) and a transverse element (2, 3) of a heald frame (1), wherein the side element (7, 8) is provided with a tongue element (22), and a pressure element (11) contacting a receiving element (10), wherein a contact surface in which a pressure element (11) contacts a receiving element (10) is arranged for decomposing the connecting force (F) into a first component perpendicular to the assembly direction (X) urging a first leg (12) and a second leg (13) towards each other and a second component urging the receiving element (10) in the assembly direction (X) deeper into a cavity (23). Weaving machine, heald frame and method for producing a heald frame.