Integral Rapier Gripper Body via 3D Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gripper designs for rapier weaving machines are not lightweight and stiff, which can lead to inefficiencies and potential damage to threads during the weaving process.
Innovation Solution
A gripper design featuring a gripper body with a base section, side sections, and an upper section formed integrally, utilizing 3D printing techniques, which includes a moveable clamping element, spring element, and opener element, minimizing the need for screws and ensuring stiffness and lightness by using materials like titanium, and incorporating a hook with a stationary clamping element for efficient thread clamping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional gripper designs are used with multiple separate components and fastening elements, then assembly and manufacturing are straightforward, but the gripper becomes heavier and less stiff
Solution Approach 1:
The gripper body is formed as a single integral component using 3D printing technology, merging what would traditionally be multiple separate parts requiring screws and fastening elements into one monolithic structure. This eliminates the need for numerous fastening elements while maintaining structural integrity and stiffness.
Solution Approach 2:
The manufacturing method is changed from traditional subtractive or assembly-based approaches to additive manufacturing (3D printing). This parameter change in the manufacturing process enables the creation of complex integral structures that would be difficult or impossible to achieve with conventional methods, resulting in a lighter yet stiffer gripper.
2Weight of moving object
If traditional gripper designs with multiple separate components are used, then manufacturing and assembly are simple, but the gripper weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple components are merged into a single integral gripper body manufactured via 3D printing, eliminating the need for assembly of separate parts. This significantly reduces the overall weight while the additive manufacturing process handles the complexity of creating the integrated structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The manufacturing approach transitions from traditional methods requiring multiple components and assembly steps to additive manufacturing, which builds the entire gripper body in one process. This parameter change reduces weight by eliminating unnecessary material and fastening elements while managing manufacturing complexity through digital modeling and additive processes.
3Reliability
If conventional gripper designs are used, then assembly is straightforward, but thread damage may occur due to insufficient stiffness
Solution Approach 1:
The gripper body is merged into a single integral structure that provides enhanced stiffness and structural rigidity. This improved stiffness protects the thread during the weaving process by preventing unwanted movements or deformations, while the 3D printing technology enables this integrated design without requiring complex assembly of multiple stiffening components.
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 achieves a lightweight and stiff gripper that minimizes thread damage and reduces the need for fastening elements, enhancing the efficiency and durability of the weaving process while allowing for simplified assembly and manufacturing.
Implementation Method 1
the spring element is configured for urging the moveable clamping element towards the hook for clamping a weft thread between the moveable clamping element and the hook
Implementation Method 2
the first side section, the second side section, the upper section and the web are formed integrally with the base section
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a gripper (1) for rapier weaving machine, wherein the gripper (1) comprises a gripper body (2) and a clamping device (3) for clamping a weft thread, wherein the gripper body (2) comprises a base section (20), a first side section (21) adjoining the base section (20), a second side section (22) adjoining the base section (20) opposite to the first side section (21), and a hook (26) provided at a distal end (10) of the gripper body (2), wherein the clamping device (3) comprises a moveable clamping element (30), a spring element (31), and an opener element (32), wherein the gripper body (2) comprises an upper section (23) opposite to the base section (20), wherein the upper section (23) adjoins the first side section (21) and is connected via a web (24, 25) to at least one of the second side section (22) and the base section (20), wherein the first side section (21), the second side section (22), the upper section (23) and the web (24, 25) are formed integrally with the base section (20), and wherein the opener element (32) is mounted between the upper section (23) and the base section (20). The invention further relates to a gripper assembly comprising a gripper (1) and a rapier (5) for carrying the gripper, in particular a gripper band. The invention further relates to a weaving machine and a method for manufacturing a gripper (1).