Polygonal Profile Ring Grooves for Loom Hook Wear Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hooking devices between heddle frames and lever actuated by shed forming machines experience premature wear due to significant forces during weaving applications, leading to noise and vibration issues that disrupt loom operation.

Innovation Solution

A hooking device with a polygonal profile ring featuring grooves for lubrication, designed to reduce wear by distributing lubricant effectively across contact surfaces, and a lubrication method that supplies lubricant through radial channels and grooves, allowing the ring to rotate and maintain optimal positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If the contact surfaces between the hook and the polygonal ring are maximized to distribute forces, then the force distribution is improved, but the size of the contact surfaces is limited by the thickness of the heald frame

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveforce distributionVSAvoidcontact surface area
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention introduces grooves with varying depths on the inner surface of the polygonal ring, creating local variations in lubricant distribution. The first grooves have a first depth and the second grooves have a second depth greater than the first depth, allowing different regions to receive different amounts of lubricant based on their specific wear and force distribution needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If lubrication is provided to reduce wear, then the wear resistance is improved, but the lubrication system adds complexity to the device

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewear resistanceVSAvoidlubrication system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The polygonal ring is designed to rotate automatically during operation, and this rotation itself serves to distribute the lubricant from the grooves across the contact surfaces. The system uses the operational movement of the ring to achieve lubrication distribution without requiring external lubrication mechanisms, making the lubrication system self-service and reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The lubrication distribution occurs periodically as the polygonal ring rotates during operation. The grooves are positioned and sized to deliver lubricant at specific intervals during the rotation cycle, ensuring continuous lubrication of contact surfaces through periodic action rather than continuous external lubrication supply.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Quantity of substance

If the polygonal ring rotates to distribute lubricant, then the lubrication coverage is improved, but the rotation may cause misalignment with the hook

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelubricant distribution coverageVSAvoidangular positioning stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the angular positioning parameters of the grooves relative to the hook opening. The first grooves are positioned at a first angle and the second grooves at a second angle, with specific depth variations, allowing the ring to rotate to optimal positions for both lubrication distribution and hook engagement. This parameter optimization ensures that lubrication coverage is maximized without compromising alignment stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 significantly reduces wear on mechanical parts, enhancing resistance to frame forces and minimizing noise and vibration, ensuring smoother operation of the loom.

Implementation Method 1

The polygonal profile ring comprises grooves for receiving a lubricant, arranged on the surface of its bore

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLubrication: Lubrication

Data Source

PatentEP4471198A1Device for hanging a heald frame and a lever and method for lubricating such a device
Publication Date: 2024.12.04 STAUBLI FAVERGES SA
  • EP4471198A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4471198A1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP4471198A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The attachment device comprises a fastener (8) configured to be secured to a frame of rails, and having two flanges (12, 12'), an inner ring (16) mounted between the flanges and having orthoradial slots (16C) formed on its outer peripheral surface (16B), and a polygonal profile ring (14) including a grease fitting (24) and a bore (15) for rotationally mounting around the inner ring. The attachment device includes a hook with a locking member adapted to hold the hook in cooperation with the polygonal profile ring. According to the invention, the polygonal profile ring (14) includes grooves (30) for receiving a lubricant, formed on the surface (15A) of its bore (15).