Rapier Weaving Machine Guiding Device Wear Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

The guiding block in rapier weaving machines experiences significant wear and tear due to the movement of the receiver rapier head when the opening element opens it, causing friction and torsional load.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a rotatably positioned guiding wheel within the guiding device that only contacts the receiver rapier head at the point of opening, reducing wear by absorbing the impact and adjusting the movement direction, while maintaining the guiding block for optimal direction adjustment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a guiding block is used to restrain the receiver rapier head when opening, then the movement direction is adjusted, but the guiding block experiences significant wear and tear

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemovement direction controlVSAvoidguiding block lifespan

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

A guiding wheel is introduced as an intermediary component between the receiver rapier head and the guiding block. The guiding wheel rotates to guide the receiver rapier head during opening, while the guiding block remains stationary and experiences minimal wear. This mediator approach transfers the mechanical stress from the guiding block to the guiding wheel, which can be easily replaced.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The guiding wheel is designed to rotate dynamically during the opening operation, allowing it to adapt to the movement of the receiver rapier head. This dynamic rotation reduces friction and wear on the guiding block, as the guiding wheel absorbs the mechanical stress through its rotational motion rather than static contact.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the guiding block contacts the receiver rapier head continuously, then movement direction is maintained, but friction and torsional load increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemovement direction stabilityVSAvoidfriction and torsional load

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The guiding wheel makes contact with the receiver rapier head periodically during the opening operation rather than continuously. The wheel rotates into contact just before opening, guides the head through the opening motion, and then disengages. This periodic contact maintains movement direction stability while minimizing friction and torsional load on the guiding block.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The guiding wheel uses a curved or spherical contact surface to guide the receiver rapier head during opening. This curved geometry allows for smoother contact and reduced friction compared to a flat guiding block surface. The rotational motion of the wheel creates a rolling contact that minimizes torsional load and friction while maintaining accurate movement direction control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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 combination of a guiding block and guiding wheel significantly reduces wear and tear on the guiding block by minimizing contact and friction, extending the lifespan of the guiding device and maintaining accurate movement direction adjustment.

Implementation Method 1

The guiding wheel only serves to absorb the impact of the opening element on the receiver rapier head

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectImpact absorption: Impact Force

Implementation Method 2

By combining a guiding block in the guiding device according to this disclosure with a guiding wheel, wear and tear of the guiding block can be significantly reduced

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction reduction through rotation: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS12012674B2Rapier weaving machine with guiding device and method for converting a rapier weaving machine

Publication Date: 2024.06.18 VANDEWIELE NV

AI summary

A rapier weaving machine and a method for converting an existing rapier weaving machine into a rapier weaving machine, which includes an insert rapier head for inserting a weft yarn into a fabric, a receiver rapier head for receiving and holding the weft yarn and subsequently pulling the weft yarn out of the fabric in a movement direction, an opening element for opening the receiver rapier head in order to release the weft yarn, and a guiding device, positioned on the side of the receiver rapier head opposite the opening element, and comprising a guiding block for adjusting the movement direction of the receiver rapier head, and a rotatable guiding wheel for restraining the receiver rapier head when opening.