Nested Pulley Elements for Compact Weaving Shed Formation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shed-forming devices for weaving machines are bulky, complex, and inefficient in terms of space usage, particularly for jacquard machines with multiple positions, as they require significant space and are difficult to assemble due to the arrangement of pulley elements and cords.
Innovation Solution
A compact shed-forming device design where the second pulley element is movable within the space occupied by the first pulley element, allowing both to operate independently and maintain their positions, with pulley cords extending in the same vertical plane, reducing the footprint and facilitating assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional shed-forming devices use separate pulley elements arranged side by side, then each pulley can operate independently to position heddles, but the device occupies large space and has complex structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nesting by placing the second pulley element (pulley 2) inside the space occupied by the first pulley element (pulley 1). The second pulley moves vertically within the vertical intermediate space between the top and bottom pulleys of the first pulley element, allowing both pulleys to operate independently while sharing the same spatial envelope. This nesting arrangement dramatically reduces the device footprint while maintaining independent operation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a horizontal arrangement of pulleys (side by side) to a vertical arrangement where the second pulley operates within the vertical space of the first pulley. By utilizing the vertical dimension and allowing the second pulley to move between top and bottom positions within the intermediate space, the design achieves compactness without sacrificing functional independence.
2Area of stationary object
If pulley elements are arranged to minimize space, then the footprint is reduced, but the cords may interfere with each other and assembly becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves cord interference by having all pulley cords extend in the same vertical plane. The first pulley cord and second pulley cord are arranged to run parallel to each other in the vertical direction, eliminating lateral interference. This planar arrangement in the vertical dimension simplifies the routing and assembly process while maintaining the compact nested structure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple pulley elements are used to achieve multiple heddle positions, then shedding versatility is improved, but the device complexity and space requirement increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces device complexity by nesting the second pulley element within the structure of the first pulley element. The second pulley moves vertically within the intermediate space between the top and bottom pulleys of the first pulley, allowing both pulleys to control heddle positions independently. This nested arrangement maintains full positioning versatility while presenting a more compact and manageable structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the structural elements of multiple pulleys into a unified nested arrangement. By having the second pulley operate within the space of the first pulley and having both cords extend in the same vertical plane, the design merges what would otherwise be separate, complex assemblies into a more integrated and simplified structure.
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 design results in a more compact and reliable shed-forming device with a smaller footprint, enabling jacquard machines to position more heddles on the same area or reduce overall size, while maintaining the ability to bring warp threads to multiple heights, improving assembly efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
At the bottom, each heddle is connected to a return spring which exerts a downwardly directed force on the heddle
Implementation Method 2
a pulley cord which is connected to a heddle for positioning at least one warp thread on a weaving machine and which cooperates with the first and the second pulley element in such a way that the heddle can be brought to four different heights
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2d
Figure 3a~3d
AI summary
The invention relates to a shed- forming device with a first (1) and a second pulley element (2) which can be brought to a top (Tl) or a bottom position (B l), as desired, and a pulley cord (15) which can be brought to four different heights (HI), (H2), (H3), (H4) in cooperation with the pulley elements (1), (2), or two pulley cords (13), (14) which can be brought to two different heights (SI), (S2) in cooperation with the pulley elements (1), (2), wherein the second pulley element (2) is movable between its top (T2) and its bottom position (B2) in a movement space (B) which is situated inside the space (A) which the first pulley element (1) occupies.