Rapier Gripper Lattice Base for Deformation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing grippers for rapier weaving machines are heavy and prone to deformation, with dust accumulation and limited visibility, and there is a need for a lightweight and stiff gripper design that allows easy replacement of components.
Innovation Solution
A gripper with a base part comprising a lattice structure, a closed tubular unit, and a gripper clamp arranged on the outer side of the second side structure, manufactured using 3D printing, which enhances stability and visibility while allowing easy replacement and reducing dust accumulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional solid structure gripper is used, then strength is sufficient, but weight is excessive and deformation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The gripper base part utilizes a lattice structure with porous characteristics, where the internal framework provides structural strength while the void spaces reduce material usage and weight. The lattice pattern maintains rigidity through geometric configuration rather than solid mass.
Solution Approach 2:
The gripper employs a composite structure combining different materials: the base part uses lattice-structured plastic material for lightweight strength, while the gripper clamp uses metal material for durability and gripping force. This multi-material approach optimizes both weight and strength characteristics.
2Stability of the object's composition
If traditional solid structure gripper is used, then structural integrity is maintained, but deformation resistance is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The lattice structure provides deformation resistance through its geometric configuration. The interconnected struts and nodes distribute applied forces throughout the structure, preventing localized deformation while maintaining overall structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The lattice structure transitions from traditional 2D or 3D solid forms to a spatial framework that utilizes three-dimensional geometry for strength. The vertical and diagonal struts create triangular patterns that inherently resist deformation through geometric stability.
3Device complexity
If gripper clamp is arranged on inner side, then structure is compact, but dust accumulation occurs and visibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The gripper clamp is positioned asymmetrically on the outer side of the second side structure rather than symmetrically in the center or on the inner side. This asymmetric placement optimizes both accessibility for maintenance and resistance to dust accumulation by positioning the clamp away from the internal cavity where dust would collect.
4Weight of moving object
If lattice structure is used, then weight is reduced and visibility is enhanced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lattice structure parameters such as strut thickness, node configuration, and pattern density are optimized to achieve the desired strength-to-weight ratio. By carefully selecting these parameters, the design maintains manufacturability while achieving lightweight performance.
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 gripper achieves improved stability, reduced deformation, and enhanced visibility, while facilitating easy replacement of components, thus optimizing the performance and maintenance of rapier weaving machines.
Implementation Method 1
The base part is at least partly manufactured using 3D printing, wherein the structures are at least partly in the form of lattice structures avoiding material accumulation and allowing a formation of light and strong structures.
Implementation Method 2
The base part is at least partly manufactured using 3D printing
Implementation Method 3
At the base part, a circumferentially closed unit, also referred to as tube-shaped unit, comprising the bottom structure, the first side structure, the top structure, and the second side structure is formed, which reinforces the base part and, thus, allows preventing deformations of the base part.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a gripper for a rapier weaving machine, the gripper (1) comprising a base part (2) and a gripper clamp (3), wherein the base part (2) comprises a bottom structure (20) with a first side (201) and an opposite second side (202), a top structure (23), a first side structure (21) connecting the top structure (23) to the bottom structure (20) at the first side (201) of the bottom structure (20), and a second side structure (22) connecting the top structure (23) to the bottom structure (20) offset to the second side (202) of the bottom structure (20), wherein the gripper clamp (3) is arranged at the bottom structure (20) at a side of the second side structure (22) that is facing away from the first side structure (21), wherein the top structure (23) comprises a rectangular section (230), wherein a length of the rectangular section (230) in a longitudinal direction of the base part (2) is longer than a width of the rectangular section (230) between the first side structure (21) and the second side structure (22), and wherein the second side structure (22) connects the rectangular section (230) of the top structure (23) to the bottom structure (20) at least at a rear end (31) of the rectangular section (230) and at a front end (32) of the rectangular section (230). The invention further relates to a weaving machine and to a method for manufacturing a gripper.