Loom Shedding Machine With Locking Eccentric Stroke Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing shedding devices for looms face challenges in adjusting the amplitude and height of the heald frame stroke, particularly with oscillating actuators, which limit adjustment range, maximum load, and speed, while manual adjustments are tedious and difficult to achieve accurately.

Innovation Solution

A shedding machine with a rotary electric actuator, eccentric system, and connecting rod mechanism that allows for precise adjustment of the eccentric and connecting rod center distances through automated or manual rotation, facilitated by a locking system that secures the lever in a reference orientation, enabling amplitude and height adjustments without manual manipulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual adjustment methods are used (as in prior art), then the device structure is simple, but the adjustment precision and ease of operation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment precisionVSAvoidease of adjustment
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment operations with an automated control system. The controller automatically adjusts the eccentric distance and connecting rod center distance parameters without requiring manual intervention, thereby improving both adjustment precision and ease of operation. The system uses automated detection and control mechanisms to achieve precise positioning of the heddle frame stroke parameters.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If oscillating actuators are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adjustment range and maximum load capacity deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment rangeVSAvoidactuator system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a rotary electric actuator with variable speed control capability, allowing the system to dynamically adjust its operating parameters. The actuator can operate at different speeds and torques to accommodate various adjustment ranges and load requirements. The controller manages the actuator's dynamic characteristics to achieve wide adjustment range while maintaining manageable system complexity through intelligent control strategies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If manual adjustment procedures are implemented, then the number of components is minimized, but the time required for adjustment and skill level required increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment speedVSAvoidadjustment system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-adjustment through automated control mechanisms. The controller automatically detects the current state, calculates the required adjustments, and executes the positioning of eccentric and connecting rod parameters without human intervention. This self-service capability dramatically reduces adjustment time and eliminates the need for high skill levels, while the added complexity is confined to the control system rather than mechanical components.

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

Facilitates precise and efficient adjustment of the heald frame stroke, reducing errors and tediousness, while allowing for a wide adjustment range and high load capacity, enhancing the flexibility and accuracy of loom operations.

Implementation Method 1

a rotary electric actuator (20)... a base (31) through which the eccentric system (30) is rotated, by the rotary electric actuator (20), about a main axis (X20)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

an eccentric system (30), which comprises: a base (31) through which the eccentric system (30) is rotated... a connecting piece (32) defining an eccentric axis (X41), which is parallel to the main axis (X20)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEccentric mechanism: Eccentric

Implementation Method 3

a connecting rod (40)... a lever (50), which is pivotable in oscillation about a lever axis (X50) to actuate said heddle frame... which transform the rotation produced by the actuator into an alternating translation of the heddle frame

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCrank-connecting rod mechanism: Crankshaft

Data Source

PatentEP4596768A1Shedding machine for a loom and method of adjusting the same
Publication Date: 2025.08.06 STAUBLI FAVERGES SA
  • EP4596768A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4596768A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4596768A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Shed forming machine (2), comprising: an eccentric system (30) rotatable about a main axis (X20); a lever (50); and a connecting rod (40), coupled to the eccentric system and to the lever in a pivoting manner about eccentric (X41) and connecting rod (X42) axes spaced apart by a connecting rod center distance (R2), the main axis (X20) and the eccentric axis (X41) being spaced apart by an eccentric center distance (R1). To facilitate the adjustment of the stroke of a heald frame actuated by the machine, it comprises an adjustment system, allowing: an adjustment configuration where the eccentric (R1) or connecting rod (R2) center distance is adjustable, and a locked configuration where these distances are fixed. The machine (2) comprises a locking system (80), which allows lever locking and lever release configurations.