Needling Machine Universal Kinematics via Dual Eccentric Shafts

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing needle looms require separate designs and drive concepts for different needle bar kinematics (straight, elliptical, circular), leading to high costs and limited application range.

Innovation Solution

A needling machine with a basic structure comprising a first and second main shaft, eccentrically mounted connecting rods, and a statically determined system that allows implementation of conventional and elliptical needling kinematics without additional guide elements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate needle loom designs are provided for each needle bar kinematics type (straight, elliptical, circular), then the specific kinematic requirements are met, but the manufacturing costs increase and application range is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvekinematic performanceVSAvoidapplication range
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal needle loom design where a single machine structure can perform multiple needle bar kinematics types (straight, elliptical, circular) by adjusting the configuration of connecting rods and guide elements. The needle bar support is designed to accommodate different guide element arrangements, allowing the same basic structure to deliver three distinct kinematic modes, thus resolving the contradiction between specialized performance and versatile application range

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If separate needle loom designs are provided for each needle bar kinematics type, then the specific kinematic requirements are met, but manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvekinematic performanceVSAvoidmanufacturing costs
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal needle loom design where a single machine structure can perform multiple needle bar kinematics types (straight, elliptical, circular) by adjusting the configuration of connecting rods and guide elements. The needle bar support is designed to accommodate different guide element arrangements, allowing the same basic structure to deliver three distinct kinematic modes, thus resolving the contradiction between specialized performance and versatile application range

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Shape

If additional guide elements are added to achieve elliptical needling, then the desired needle movement path is obtained, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveneedle movement pathVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs dynamic configuration of guide elements where the presence, position, and orientation of guide elements can be adjusted to transform the needle bar movement from straight to elliptical paths. The connecting rods are designed with adjustable mounting positions on the needle bar support, allowing the system to adapt its kinematic characteristics dynamically based on the required needle movement shape, thereby achieving complex motion paths without permanently increasing structural complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 reduces manufacturing costs, eliminates the need for expensive components, and enables flexible use by allowing different needle bar kinematics to be realized through modifications to individual components and operating parameters.

Implementation Method 1

at least one first connecting rod (20) which is eccentrically mounted on the first main shaft (14), at least one second connecting rod (22) which is eccentrically mounted on the second main shaft (16)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEccentric mechanism: Eccentric

Data Source

PatentEP4321671B1Needling machine
Publication Date: 2025.06.04 DILO MASCHINENFABRIK KG
  • EP4321671B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4321671B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3

AI summary

The needle machine (2) according to the invention comprises a first main shaft (14), a second main shaft (16), at least one first connecting rod (20) which is eccentrically mounted on the first main shaft (14), at least one second connecting rod (22) which is eccentrically mounted on the second main shaft (16), and at least one needle bar (24, 26). The at least one first connecting rod (20) and the at least one second connecting rod (22) are pivotally connected to each other. Each of the at least one needle bar (24, 26) is rigidly connected to the at least one first connecting rod (20) or the at least one second connecting rod (22). The first and the second main shaft (14, 16) can be driven in opposite directions.