Loom Reed U-Profile Grooves Automated Tooth Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing weaving loom reeds face challenges in achieving precise and easily modifiable tooth positioning for varying density, making automated manufacturing difficult due to reliance on spring diameters and complex bolt systems.
Innovation Solution
A weaving loom reed with U-shaped profiles featuring internal V-shaped grooves for precise tooth alignment, secured by adhesive material, allowing for variable spacing and depth, and using expandable beads for end assembly, enabling automated and precise tooth positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If positioning springs with wire coils are used to position teeth, then tooth positioning is achieved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to local variation in wire diameter causing spacing errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical spring-based positioning system with grooves machined directly into the profile. These grooves provide precise geometric constraints for tooth placement, eliminating reliance on spring wire diameter consistency. The groove geometry (depth, width, shape) directly determines tooth position, achieving high manufacturing precision through machining rather than through consistent mechanical component dimensions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If spring diameter is changed to obtain different tooth density, then adaptability improves, but device complexity increases due to need to change springs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables different tooth densities by varying the spacing and dimensions of grooves machined into the profile, rather than changing physical springs. The groove parameters (spacing pitch, depth, width) can be easily modified through machining operations to accommodate different tooth density requirements. This allows adaptability in tooth density without requiring physical component changes or increasing device complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If positioning springs with fixed coil spacing are used, then tooth positioning is achieved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates due to difficulty in automated manufacturing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the assembly of discrete spring components with a monolithic profile containing machined grooves. This transformation enables automated manufacturing through CNC machining or similar processes, where grooves are precisely cut into the profile in a single automated operation. The teeth are then simply inserted into these pre-machined grooves, eliminating complex spring assembly steps and enabling fully automated production.
4Manufacturing precision
If U-section members with L-section parts and bolt systems are used, then tooth positioning is achieved, but device complexity increases making automated manufacturing difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the U-section member and L-section positioning parts into a single integrated profile with grooves. Instead of using separate U-section members and L-section parts connected by bolts, the positioning function is built directly into the profile geometry through machined grooves. This integration eliminates the need for multiple components and fasteners, reducing device complexity while maintaining precise tooth positioning capability.
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 allows for precise and easily modifiable tooth positioning, facilitating automated manufacturing and enabling the production of reeds with varying tooth density, resulting in a lightweight, compact, and mechanically strong comb for efficient weaving operations.
Implementation Method 1
the comb comprising an adhesive material which secures the aforementioned end of each tooth with the profile
Implementation Method 2
a second end of each tooth, opposite the aforementioned first end received in the section, is assembled with the second ends of the other teeth by means of a bead of expandable material which passes through an orifice of the second end and through the aligned orifices from the second ends of the other teeth
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The reed (101) has a row of splits (105) rigidly assembled between them and with a filament yarn (103) that is monoblock, where the filament yarn has a U shaped transversal section. An end (151) of each split is received in the filament yarn. The filament yarn has internal grooves (139) arranged on U shaped arms (131A, 131B) perpendicular with respect to a longitudinal axis (X103) of the filament yarn, where each groove has a V shaped transversal section. The end is laterally inserted in the grooves, where the reed is made of an adhesive which connects the end with the filament yarn. An independent claim is also included for a method for manufacturing a loom reed.