Nozzle Mounting Device for Air-Jet Weaving Machines

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mounting devices for nozzle arrangements in air-jet weaving machines lack precise and independent positioning of nozzles relative to the insertion channel, leading to inefficiencies in weft thread insertion, particularly when multiple nozzles with different use positions are required.

Innovation Solution

A mounting device with a guide sleeve and front nozzle support featuring a polygonal cross-section, allowing the positioning part to move transversely into multiple insertion positions, ensuring each nozzle is aligned optimally with the insertion channel, utilizing linear actuators and elastically deformable elements for precise and repeatable positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple nozzles are fixed in position to serve different weft threads, then the nozzle arrangement can handle multiple colors, but the alignment precision with the insertion channel deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecapability to handle multiple weft thread colorsVSAvoidalignment precision of nozzle front ends with insertion channel
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the nozzle arrangement movable relative to the sley through a positioning mechanism. The nozzle support can be adjusted along the sley's length and laterally positioned to precisely align the front ends of multiple nozzles with the insertion channel. This dynamic positioning capability allows the system to maintain high alignment precision while accommodating multiple nozzles for different weft thread colors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Manufacturing precision

If nozzles are made movable to adjust position, then alignment with insertion channel improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment precision of nozzle front ends with insertion channelVSAvoidcomplexity of mounting device
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the positioning function into two independent parts: a longitudinal positioning mechanism that moves the entire nozzle support along the sley, and a lateral positioning mechanism that adjusts the position of individual nozzles or nozzle groups. This segmentation allows each mechanism to be simpler and more specialized, reducing overall device complexity while achieving precise alignment in both directions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The nozzle support structure is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a mounting platform for multiple nozzles and as a movable component for longitudinal positioning. The support structure integrates functions of holding nozzles, providing longitudinal adjustment, and enabling lateral positioning, thereby reducing the need for separate mechanisms and simplifying the overall device.

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

3Volume of moving object

If a compact nozzle arrangement is used, then space efficiency improves, but positioning precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompactness of nozzle arrangementVSAvoidpositioning precision of nozzles
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves the contradiction between compactness and positioning precision by utilizing multiple spatial dimensions. The nozzle arrangement is positioned compactly in the transverse direction (width) while achieving precise positioning through movement in the longitudinal direction (along the sley) and lateral adjustment. This dimensional separation allows the nozzles to be closely spaced for compactness while maintaining precise alignment capability through independent positioning mechanisms operating in different directions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP3622104B1Mounting device for a nozzle arrangement and nozzle arrangement
Publication Date: 2021.06.09 PICANOL NV
  • EP3622104B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3622104B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3622104B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Nozzle arrangement and mounting device for mounting a nozzle arrangement (1) on an air-jet weaving machine, the mounting device (5) comprising a guide sleeve (23) with a guide recess (25) with at least N side surfaces (55), and a front nozzle support (16) with a positioning part (17) with at least N contact surfaces (51), wherein the positioning part (17) is arranged in the guide recess (25), wherein in a direction transversely to the insertion channel (11), the positioning part (17) is moveable within the guide recess (25) into N insertion positions each associated with one of the N insertion nozzles (15), and wherein in each insertion position of the N insertion positions a pair of two non-parallel contact surfaces (51) abuts against side surfaces (55) of the guide recess (25) and one of the N insertion nozzles (15) is brought into its use position with respect to the insertion channel (11).