Rapier Head Electric Motor Clamp Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional weft yarn insertion systems in weaving looms are inadequate for handling fragile and variable thickness weft yarns, such as those made of carbon or Kevlar, as they fail to precisely control clamping force, often causing damage and are cumbersome to operate.

Innovation Solution

A rapier system with an electric motor-driven clamp mechanism that allows precise control of clamping force and movement, enabling efficient catching and releasing of weft yarns along any point of the drawing-in path, and is designed to be compact and lightweight for high-speed operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional mechanical gripper systems are used to catch weft yarns, then the insertion process can be completed, but the clamping force cannot be precisely controlled causing damage to fragile weft yarns

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveweft yarn integrityVSAvoidclamping force control

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical spring-loaded grippers with an electric motor-driven clamp system. The electric motor provides precise control over clamping force through electrical signals, eliminating the imprecision of mechanical spring systems. This substitution enables accurate force modulation to handle fragile weft yarns without damage while maintaining reliable insertion operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If electromagnetic actuators are used to actuate the clamp, then the clamp can be operated, but the actuator becomes bulky and fragile

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclamp actuationVSAvoidactuator size and fragility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes bulky electromagnetic actuators with a more compact electric motor system. The electric motor is integrated directly into the rapier head, providing a smaller, more robust actuation mechanism. This reduction in size and complexity makes the system more suitable for the high-speed, space-constrained environment of weaving looms while maintaining reliable clamp operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If a feed rapier with oscillating motion is used to transfer weft yarn, then the transfer can occur in the center of the shed, but the weft yarn may be damaged, cut or twisted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveweft transfer efficiencyVSAvoidweft yarn integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the oscillating mechanical motion of traditional feed rapiers with a linear reciprocating motion driven by an electric motor. This linear motion eliminates the twisting and oscillating forces that damage weft yarns during transfer. The electric motor provides smooth, controlled linear movement that maintains weft yarn integrity while achieving efficient center-shed transfer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Adaptability or versatility

If the rapier head is made robust to handle various weft yarn types, then it can accommodate different yarns, but the speed of movement decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveweft yarn compatibilityVSAvoidrapier movement speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces heavy mechanical actuation systems with a lightweight electric motor system. This substitution significantly reduces the mass of the rapier head, enabling high-speed reciprocating motion. The electric motor provides sufficient torque for clamping various weft yarn types while the reduced overall mass allows operation at higher speeds, simultaneously achieving versatility and speed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 system effectively prevents damage to weft yarns by providing precise control over clamping force and movement, ensuring reliable insertion of various yarn types, including reinforced materials, without the need for external monitoring equipment.

Implementation Method 1

an actuator mounted on the rapier for actuating the clamp; According to the invention, the actuator is an electric motor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS11795589B2Rapier, method for drawing in a weft yarn with such a rapier and weaving loom comprising such a rapier

Publication Date: 2023.10.24 STAUBLI BAYREUTH GMBH

AI summary

This rapier is for drawing-in a weft yarn into a shed of a weaving loom (2), along a drawing-in path. The rapier includes a rapier head (206) mounted at one end of the rapier, which extends along a main longitudinal is driven, along the drawing-in path, by a drive. Also included is a clamp (320) for catching a weft yarn, with the clamp being mounted in the rapier head, operable between an open and closed configuration. The rapier includes an electric motor, (208) mounted on the body for actuating the clamp and a mechanism (260-328) for transforming an output movement of the motor, which is a rotation around an axis (A208) parallel to the main longitudinal axis, into an opening or a closing movement of the clamp.