Heddle Sorting Module for Automatic Left-Right Alternation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current drawing-in machines require manual separation and sorting of duplex heddles into left and right stacks, which is time-consuming and prone to errors, especially when reusing heddles for subsequent drawing-in processes.
Innovation Solution
A heddle module with a heddle-sorting device, detection system, and controller that automatically separates and sorts heddles according to a predetermined sequence, allowing for correct positioning and alternation of left and right heddles without manual sorting, using a heddle-sorting device with conveyor belts and detection cameras to identify and position heddles correctly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual separation and sorting of duplex heddles into left and right stacks is used, then the heddles can be prepared for reuse, but the process is time-consuming and prone to operator errors
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic identification and sorting of heddles through detection devices that read identification means (e.g., RFID tags, data matrices) on each heddle. The control unit automatically determines the correct position based on the detected heddle type (left or right), eliminating the need for manual operator intervention in the sorting process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical sorting with an automated detection and control system. Detection devices (optical sensors, RFID readers) identify heddle characteristics, and the control unit processes this information to command the sorting mechanism, substituting human visual inspection and manual placement with automated sensing and control.
2Productivity
If automatic detection and sorting systems are implemented, then the feeding process is streamlined and accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection device is designed to identify multiple types of heddles (left and right) using a single multi-functional system. The identification means on each heddle can encode various information (type, orientation, sequence), and the detection device can read all this information to control the sorting process, reducing the need for multiple specialized sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an identification means (e.g., RFID tag, data matrix code) as an intermediary carrier of information about the heddle type. This intermediary simplifies the detection process by providing machine-readable information that the detection device can easily interpret, reducing the complexity of the sensing and control systems compared to direct physical or optical measurement of heddle geometry.
Data Source
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AI summary
A heddle module (30) for a drawing-in machine comprises a heddles-feeding device (4), a heddles-separating device (8), a heddles-transport device (12) and a heddles-sorting device (10) including at least one sorting conveyor equipped with several heddle-support elements spaced along a sorting path, each heddle-support element being configured to hold one separated heddle and to move it from a feeding position (P1) to at least one sorting transfer position (P2) along the sorting path, and a heddles-transfer device (26) for transferring a separated heddle (60) out of a heddle-support element (122) located at the sorting transfer position (P2) onto the heddles-transport device (12) at the transport transfer position (P3). The heddle module (30) also comprises a heddles-detection device (14) configured to detect at least one parameter different if the heddle is a left heddle or a right heddle, and a controller (16) connected to the heddles-detection device (14) and to the heddles-sorting device (10) and configured to command the heddles-sorting device according to the parameter detected for this heddle by the heddles-detection device (14) and according to a predetermined heddle sequence of heddle types. The heddles-separating device (8) is interposed between the heddles-feeding device (4) and the sorting conveyor (100).