Jacquard Loom Shed Forming Device Vertical Pulley Arrangement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing weave mechanisms for Jacquard-type looms, such as those described in EP-A-0 839 937 and US-A-5,522,435, are either too complex and bulky or unable to achieve four equidistant positions of warp threads, limiting their ability to weave complex fabrics like loop carpets.

Innovation Solution

A weave mechanism with at least one shed-forming device featuring two upper mobile hooks and a set of vertically aligned pulleys, where one pulley is movable via a coupling and a knife, allowing for four equidistant positions of the warp threads, accessible in both even and odd picks, and reducing the mechanism's complexity and size.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If four hooks are arranged side by side to achieve four positions of warp yarn, then four positions are obtained, but the size of the device becomes significant

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of warp thread positionsVSAvoiddevice size
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a horizontal arrangement of four hooks side by side to a vertical arrangement where hooks are stacked one above another. This dimensional change allows four distinct hook positions to be achieved within a compact vertical space, dramatically reducing the horizontal footprint and overall device volume while maintaining the capability to control four different warp thread positions.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a nested configuration where multiple hooks are arranged in a compact vertical stack, with each hook capable of independent vertical movement. The hooks are positioned such that they occupy overlapping or adjacent vertical spaces, allowing the mechanism to achieve four distinct warp thread control positions without requiring four separate horizontal locations, thus minimizing device volume.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If two separate devices are used to control upper and lower layer warp threads, then four positions are achieved, but the construction becomes complex and cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewarp thread position controlVSAvoidmechanism construction
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the control of upper and lower layer warp threads into a single integrated shedding device. Instead of using two separate devices as in prior art, the invention implements one unified mechanism with multiple hooks that can cooperatively control both upper and lower warp threads, thereby simplifying the overall construction while maintaining full functionality for achieving four distinct warp thread positions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent designs a universal shedding device where a single mechanism performs multiple functions: it controls both upper and lower layer warp threads and can achieve four different warp thread positions through the coordinated movement of its hooks. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate specialized devices, reducing construction complexity while enhancing versatility.

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

3Adaptability or versatility

If knives move in alternating movements to achieve four positions, then four configurations are obtained, but intermediate positions are only accessible in specific picks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewarp thread position configurationsVSAvoidaccessibility of intermediate positions
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic control where hooks can move independently and continuously within their vertical ranges, rather than being restricted to fixed discrete positions tied to specific knife movements. This dynamic capability allows any intermediate position between the extreme positions to be accessible during both even and odd picks, providing flexible and continuous position control that enhances ease of operation for creating various fabric patterns including pile carpets.

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 mechanism enables the Jacquard-type loom to achieve four equidistant positions of warp threads, improving carpet weaving capabilities by allowing access to intermediate positions in both even and odd picks, simplifying construction, and optimizing shed openings, thus enhancing the loom's compactness and weaving efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a set of pulleys aligned vertically in a middle part of the device, the set of pulleys comprising pulleys for partially winding a cord provided at one end with a carabiner for fixing a heddle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPulley: Pulley

Data Source

PatentEP1939338B1Shed forming device in a Jacquard loom, and Jacquard loom equipped with such a device
Publication Date: 2009.09.30 STAUBLI LYON
  • EP1939338B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP1939338B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6

AI summary

The mechanism has a shed forming device (1) comprising pulleys (5, 9, 15, 16, 17) vertically aligned in middle part of the device. The pulley assembly of a cord (23) is vertically arranged by a hitch comprising a fillet (25) that surrounds a lower pulley (19) integrated in translation from the pulley assembly. One end of the fillet is fixed to a frame of the mechanism, while another end of the fillet is arranged with a lower cutter (31) displacing the lower pulley and cord.