Jet Loom Relay Nozzle Control for Yarn Characteristic Adaptation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current jet loom control systems do not efficiently manage energy and fluid consumption, leading to suboptimal productivity due to a lack of dynamic control based on the local characteristics of the weft yarn.

Innovation Solution

The method involves detecting the local distribution of characteristics within the weft yarn section before insertion into the fluid feed conduit and actuating relay nozzles to produce time-staggered fluid pulses, optimizing control for each individual yarn section by assigning measured parameter values to specific locations, thereby minimizing fluid consumption and ensuring uninterrupted weaving.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If conventional jet loom control systems use uniform fluid pulses for all yarn sections, then the system operation is simple, but energy and fluid consumption are high due to lack of optimization

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy and fluid consumptionVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system divides the weft yarn into discrete sections and applies individualized fluid pulses to each section based on its specific characteristics. This segmentation allows optimized fluid consumption for each yarn section rather than using a uniform high-energy pulse for the entire yarn, directly reducing overall energy and fluid loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The control system dynamically adjusts the fluid pulse characteristics (timing, duration, intensity) based on real-time detection of yarn characteristics. This dynamic adaptation enables the system to optimize energy and fluid consumption for each yarn section while maintaining operational effectiveness, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and energy efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If the loom operates with standard control parameters, then productivity is maintained at baseline levels, but energy efficiency is suboptimal

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveproductivityVSAvoidenergy and fluid consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates detection means that continuously monitor yarn characteristics and provide feedback to the control system. This feedback loop enables real-time optimization of fluid pulse parameters, allowing the system to maintain high productivity by adapting to yarn variations while simultaneously reducing energy and fluid consumption through precise, needs-based actuation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The control system dynamically changes fluid pulse parameters (timing, duration, intensity) based on detected yarn characteristics. By adjusting these parameters to match actual yarn needs rather than using fixed standard parameters, the system achieves both high productivity and improved energy efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If uniform actuation is used for all yarn sections, then the control system is simple to operate, but fabric quality suffers due to inability to address local yarn characteristics

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefabric qualityVSAvoidcontrol system operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The control system applies different fluid pulse characteristics to different sections of the weft yarn based on their specific local characteristics detected by the sensing means. This local quality approach ensures that each yarn section receives precisely what it needs for optimal insertion, thereby improving fabric quality without requiring complex manual intervention or operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically detects yarn characteristics and adjusts fluid pulse parameters without requiring manual intervention or complex operation. The control system serves itself by using integrated detection means to guide the actuation process, improving fabric quality while maintaining ease of operation through automated decision-making.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

This approach reduces energy and fluid consumption while maintaining productivity by adapting the weaving process to the unique characteristics of each weft yarn section, enhancing fabric quality and preventing yarn defects.

Implementation Method 1

The relay nozzles are actuated so as to eject time-staggered fluid pulses which produce a fluid flow in the fluid feed conduit. The weft yarn is conveyed by the fluid flow through the fluid feed conduit.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid flow:

Data Source

PatentEP2643509B1A method and apparatus for controlling a jet loom
Publication Date: 2016.05.11 USTER TECHNOLOGIES AG
  • EP2643509B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2643509B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2643509B1 patent drawingFigure 3(a)~3(c)

AI summary

A method for controlling a jet loom (1) is proposed. The jet loom (1) contains a plurality of relay nozzles (33) arranged along a fluid feed conduit (8). A weft yarn (93) is introduced into the fluid feed conduit (8), the relay nozzles (33) are actuated so as to eject time- staggered fluid pulses which produce a fluid flow in the fluid feed conduit (8), and the weft yarn (93) is conveyed by the fluid flow through the fluid feed conduit (8). The relay nozzles (33) are actuated based on a local distribution of characteristics within the respectively conveyed weft yarn section (93). Thus, the energy and air consumption of the jet loom (1) are reduced and the productivity of the jet loom (1) is increased