Rotating Needle Drive for Helical Fiber Web Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing circular needling machines for producing needled textile structures face issues with precise and repeatable driving of helical fibrous webs, as they require guides and generate stresses due to friction-based driving methods, leading to uncertain angular positioning.
Innovation Solution
A device using vertically projecting drive needles that rotate around the vertical axis of the needling table, eliminating the need for external guides and reducing stress on the fibrous web, with retractable mechanisms to avoid interference with fiber transfer needles and precise angular positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If friction-based rollers are used to drive the fibrous web, then the web can be moved around the needling table, but the angular positioning becomes uncertain and guides are required to maintain positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the friction-based roller drive system with a needle-based mechanical engagement system. Drive needles project through the needling table and directly engage the fibrous web, transferring rotational motion through mechanical interlocking rather than friction. This substitution eliminates slipping and ensures precise angular positioning without requiring external guides.
2Measurement precision
If guides are added to maintain web positioning during rotation, then angular positioning improves, but the device complexity and stress on the web increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the external guide structure from the system. Instead of adding guides to constrain the web, the drive needles themselves provide the positioning function through their rotational movement. The web is driven and positioned by the rotating needles without requiring separate guiding components, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining precise angular positioning.
3Ease of operation
If friction-based rollers are used to drive the web, then the web can be moved, but stresses are generated on the fibrous web structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the friction-based mechanical system with a needle penetration system. Instead of relying on friction between rollers and web surface, the drive needles penetrate through the web layers and transfer motion through direct mechanical engagement. This reduces surface friction stresses while maintaining effective driving capability.
4Productivity
If drive needles are positioned throughout the needling zone, then driving is effective, but interference with fiber transfer needles occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic positioning of drive needles through retractable mechanisms. The needles can be retracted into the needling table during the needling operation to avoid interfering with fiber transfer, and extended during the driving phase to provide effective propulsion. This dynamic adjustment allows the same structure to serve both driving and needling functions without interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive needles operate in periodic cycles of extension and retraction. During driving phases, needles are extended to engage and move the web; during needling phases, needles are retracted to allow unobstructed fiber transfer. This periodic action separates the driving and needling functions in time, eliminating interference while maintaining both functions' effectiveness.
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
Ensures precise and repeatable driving of the fibrous web without excessive stress, allowing for accurate angular positioning and efficient needling processes without the need for additional guides or stress-inducing friction-based methods.
Implementation Method 1
Rollers allow the fibrous web to be driven by friction in rotation around a vertical axis
Implementation Method 2
a lowering latch capable of lowering the drive needle into its sheath as it approaches the zone of needling and an ascent latch able to raise the drive needle as it leaves the needling zone
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 4A~4B
AI summary
A drive device for driving a helical fiber sheet for needling, the device including a needling table having a stationary top surface for receiving a helical fiber sheet for needling, a circular turntable positioned under the top surface of the needling table and having a plurality of drive needles vertically mounted thereon, the drive needles passing through the needling table and projecting relative to its top surface, the drive needles being positioned on at least one diameter of the turntable, and a drive system constructed and arranged to drive the turntable in rotation relative to the top surface of the needling table about a vertical axis.