Loom Weft Feeding Assembly for Precise Horizontal Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing weft yarn feeding devices for weaving machines are complex, costly, require significant space, and result in undesirable vertical movements of the yarn, affecting accuracy and causing friction issues, particularly when using ribbon-shaped yarns.
Innovation Solution
A device with a coupling unit that moves linearly in the warp direction, connecting two feed units to feed weft yarns to a rapier head, allowing precise, horizontal insertion without vertical movement, using a positioning unit to switch between feed units for seamless yarn delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a pivoting coupling unit with clamps arranged on a circular arc is used to select and position weft threads, then color selection between multiple weft yarns is enabled, but the weft yarn experiences undesirable vertical movement that reduces delivery accuracy and cutting precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from circular arc positioning (2D rotation) to linear positioning in the warp direction (1D translation). The coupling unit moves feed units horizontally along the warp direction instead of rotating clamps on a circular arc, eliminating vertical movement components while maintaining the ability to select between multiple weft yarns positioned laterally in the warp direction.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of keeping the coupling unit stationary and moving clamps in a circular arc to select weft threads, the invention inverts the approach by moving the entire coupling unit with feed units linearly in the warp direction to select and position weft yarns, thereby achieving color selection without vertical displacement.
2Manufacturing precision
If feed units are positioned laterally in the warp direction and moved linearly along the weft insertion line, then vertical movement of the weft yarn is eliminated improving delivery accuracy, but the device requires a coupling unit and positioning mechanism that increases structural complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the coupling unit and feed units into an integrated assembly that moves together linearly in the warp direction. This merging reduces the need for separate complex positioning mechanisms for each feed unit, as their selection and positioning are achieved through the unified linear movement of the entire coupling unit assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling unit serves multiple functions: it holds multiple feed units, enables selection between different weft yarns through linear positioning in the warp direction, and maintains alignment with the weft insertion line. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated components for each function.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple feed units are arranged one above the other and controlled sequentially, then color choice between weft yarns is achieved, but the device occupies significant vertical space and requires complex pivoting kinematics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions feed units from a vertical arrangement (one above the other) to a lateral arrangement in the warp direction. The coupling unit moves feed units horizontally along the warp direction instead of vertically, eliminating the need for vertical space and complex pivoting kinematics while maintaining color selection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of arranging feed units vertically and using vertical movement for selection, the invention inverts the arrangement to lateral positioning in the warp direction with horizontal movement, thereby achieving color choice without vertical space occupation and complex vertical pivoting mechanisms.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1f
Figure 2a~2d
Figure 3a~3d
AI summary
The invention relates to a device (1) for feeding at least first and second weft threads to a loom comprising at least one gripper head, wherein the weft threads can be fed to the gripper head in the weft direction (SR). The device according to the invention comprises: - a coupling unit (10) which, in the installed state of the device (1), can be moved forwards and backwards laterally on the loom in the warp direction (KR), - at least a first and a second feed unit (30, 50), wherein the first and the second feed units (30, 50) are arranged next to each other in the warp direction (KR) on the coupling unit (10) and are designed to feed a first or a second weft thread to the gripper head, and - a positioning unit (15) for positioning the coupling unit (10) in and counter to the warp direction (KR) in at least a first and a second position, wherein, in the first position of the coupling unit (10), the first feed unit (30) is designed to feed the first weft thread to the gripper head and, in the second position of the coupling unit (10), the second feed unit (50) is designed to feed the second weft thread to the gripper head. The invention also relates to a corresponding method.