Jacquard Loom Heddle Attachment Sleeve for Friction Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for attaching a heddle to a Jacquard loom harness cord result in friction, wear, and accessibility issues due to the use of thick and long flexible sheaths, leading to clamping force inefficiencies and maintenance challenges.

Innovation Solution

A device featuring a metal sleeve that translates between two positions, exerting a centripetal force to secure the cord, allowing for a smaller, lighter, and more accessible attachment with reduced friction and improved locking force distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If thick and long flexible sheaths are used to attach heddles to Jacquard loom harness cords, then sufficient clamping force is achieved, but friction increases and accessibility to warp threads deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclamping forceVSAvoidfriction
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment device is segmented into distinct functional components: a metal sleeve for clamping, a cord receiver for positioning, and a locking mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently without the excessive dimensions of conventional sheaths, reducing friction while maintaining clamping force.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the flexible sheath mechanical system with a metal sleeve-based clamping system. The metal sleeve provides rigid structural support and consistent clamping force through its geometry and material properties, eliminating the need for thick flexible material and thereby reducing friction between adjacent heddles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Force

If thick and long flexible sheaths are used to attach heddles to Jacquard loom harness cords, then sufficient clamping force is achieved, but accessibility to warp threads for maintenance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclamping forceVSAvoidaccessibility to warp threads
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment device is segmented into distinct functional components: a metal sleeve for clamping, a cord receiver for positioning, and a locking mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently without the excessive dimensions of conventional sheaths, reducing friction while maintaining clamping force.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the flexible sheath mechanical system with a metal sleeve-based clamping system. The metal sleeve provides rigid structural support and consistent clamping force through its geometry and material properties, eliminating the need for thick flexible material and thereby reducing friction between adjacent heddles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Force

If flexible sheaths of significant length and diameter are used, then clamping force is sufficient, but device complexity and heddle implantation density increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclamping forceVSAvoidheddle implantation density
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the key parameters of the attachment device: using a metal sleeve instead of flexible material, reducing length to minimum necessary dimensions, and reducing diameter to fit tightly on the cord. These parameter changes maintain clamping force through rigid material properties and geometric design while enabling higher heddle implantation density.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment device applies local quality by concentrating the clamping function in a small, localized metal sleeve rather than distributing it through a long flexible sheath. The sleeve's localized geometry and material properties provide sufficient clamping force at the specific attachment point without requiring excessive dimensions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 stable and efficient clamping mechanism with reduced wear and improved accessibility, enabling higher density heddle implantation and easier maintenance by minimizing friction and ensuring consistent cord engagement.

Implementation Method 1

the sleeve exerts on the first branches and on the second branches a centripetal force of tightening of the opening and housing and wedging of the aforementioned portion of the lower end of the second element and the adjacent strands

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCentripetal force:

Implementation Method 2

these sheaths must have a relatively large thickness, which leads to friction between the various sheaths mounted on adjacent heddles during the crossing of two heddles with opposite movements

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP1741815B1Vorrichtung zum Verbinden von Elemente einer Fachbildevorrichtung, Herstellungsverfahren der Vorrichtung und ein Verfahren zum Verbinden mittels der Vorrichtung
Publication Date: 2014.01.08 STAUBLI LYON
  • EP1741815B1 patent drawingFigure 1~8
  • EP1741815B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP1741815B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5B

AI summary

This device is used for attaching (20) a heddle (8) of a Jacquard-type loom to a cord (6) belonging to the loom harness. It comprises an end piece (22) overmolded onto the upper end (8a) of the heddle (8), forming an opening (24) for the passage and clamping of the cord (6), as well as a housing (228) for receiving two strands (6c) of the cord. It also includes a rigid sleeve (24) mounted on the end piece (22) and movable along this end piece between a first position, where it allows access to the opening (224), and a second position, where it covers the opening and exerts a centripetal force to tighten the opening (224) and the housing (228), thus locking the lower end of the cord (6). Such a device can also be used to attach one or more cords to an arch.