Heald Frame Connection Element for Loom Structural Integrity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heald frames for looms face structural weakening due to static forces during assembly and disassembly, and are prone to contamination, which compromises their mechanical resistance and integrity.
Innovation Solution
A heald frame design featuring a connection element with a U-section body fixed around the crosspiece end, incorporating a locking screw and positioning pin that redistributes static forces and maintains structural integrity, while preventing contamination through a sealed assembly configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a metal hoop is used to externally reinforce the end of the crosspiece, then the mechanical resistance of the crosspiece is improved, but the structure of the frame is weakened due to significant static forces applied to the crosspiece in the immobilized configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The connection element is divided into distinct functional parts: a U-shaped body for enveloping the crosspiece end, a blocking member for preventing upright displacement, and a locking member for securing the assembly. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally without compromising the overall structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection element acts as an intermediary component between the crosspiece and the upright. It mediates the connection by providing a structured interface that distributes forces appropriately, preventing direct stress concentration on the crosspiece end while maintaining strong mechanical coupling.
2Ease of operation
If the reinforcing hoop is open to allow passage of the upright protuberance, then the assembly is enabled, but cleaning products or weaving pollution can pass into the interior volume of the crosspiece, weakening its structure
Solution Approach 1:
The upright protuberance is nested within the U-shaped body of the connection element during assembly. The blocking member is positioned within the U-shaped body to engage with the protuberance, creating a nested configuration that prevents contamination while maintaining ease of assembly through the inclined engagement surfaces.
3Strength
If the thickness of the side parts of the hoop is increased to improve mechanical resistance, then the strength is improved, but the space available for the frame to weave is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Reinforcement is applied locally at the crosspiece end where it is needed for structural integrity, rather than increasing the thickness of the entire crosspiece. The U-shaped body provides localized reinforcement at the connection point while maintaining the full weaving space throughout the rest of the crosspiece structure.
4Reliability
If a screw passes through the end of the crosspiece, the curved end of the upright, and a U-shaped stirrup to immobilize the upright, then the upright is secured, but both the crosspiece and the upright are weakened
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking function is extracted from the crosspiece structure itself and placed into a separate blocking member that is part of the connection element. This allows the upright to be immobilized without requiring the screw to pass through and weaken the upright or crosspiece structures.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The frame (1) has assembling units for assembling a crossbar (5) with a post (3), a connection case (7) and a blocking screw (8) that blocks the post relative to the connection case. A U-shaped section body (71) of the case is fixed around an end (53) of the crossbar with a U-shaped base wall (73) placed against a terminal face of the end and with walls (72, 74) forming U-shaped branches placed against upper and lower walls (52, 54) of the end. The post is immobilized by the blocking screw in a support against the base wall of the body.