Shed-forming device guide flank positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing shed-forming devices for weaving machines suffer from inaccurate positioning of selection elements due to geometric deviations, leading to weaving errors and increased energy consumption, as the airgaps between selection elements and selector poles vary significantly, affecting reliability and energy efficiency.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of a shed-forming device with a selection element featuring a projection that contacts a guide flank, allowing it to slide along a longer trajectory while maintaining a consistent distance, reducing flexural stress and energy consumption, and utilizing stops to ensure precise positioning and minimize overpresentation, thereby maintaining consistent airgaps and reducing unnecessary deformation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the selection element is pushed in the direction of the selector by presenting means, then the airgap between the selection element and selector pole is reduced, but the energy consumption increases and the positioning accuracy decreases due to geometric deviations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The guide flank pre-deforms the selection element during its movement towards the selector, bringing it into the correct positioning before it reaches the selector pole. This preliminary action ensures accurate positioning without requiring excessive pushing force from the presenting means, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining positioning accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The guide flank changes the deformation parameter of the selection element progressively during movement. By controlling the inclination angle of the guide flank, the selection element is deformed to the exact required position, optimizing both positioning accuracy and energy efficiency by avoiding over-deformation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If the selection element is pushed further to ensure accurate positioning, then the positioning accuracy improves, but the unnecessary deformation increases and causes increased wear and energy consumption

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidwear and deformation
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The guide flank performs the positioning action in advance during the selection element's movement, so that by the time the selection element reaches the selector, it is already in the correct position. This eliminates the need for excessive pushing that would cause unnecessary wear and deformation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical pushing action by the presenting means is supplemented and partially replaced by the mechanical guidance action of the guide flank. The guide flank uses its inclined surface to gradually deform and position the selection element, reducing the need for forceful mechanical pushing and thereby minimizing wear and unnecessary deformation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If the guide flank has a steeper inclination to push the selection element further, then the positioning accuracy improves, but the flexural stress and energy consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidflexural stress
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The inclination angle of the guide flank is optimized to provide the exact deformation needed for accurate positioning. By carefully selecting this parameter, the guide flank achieves precise positioning while minimizing flexural stress and energy consumption, avoiding both insufficient and excessive deformation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The guide flank gradually deforms the selection element during its movement along the inclined surface, performing the positioning action progressively rather than abruptly. This preliminary, gradual deformation reduces peak flexural stress while achieving the required positioning accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

This solution enhances the reliability and energy efficiency of the shed-forming device by ensuring accurate positioning of selection elements with respect to selector poles, reducing energy consumption, and minimizing wear and deformation, resulting in a more consistent and efficient weaving process.

Implementation Method 1

the free end of the selection element comes into contact with the guide flank during said movement and follows this flank during the further movement

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

When an electric current flows through the coils, a magnetic flux is generated so that a deforming magnetic force is exerted on an associated selection element via one or more force-exerting poles of the selector

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

each heddle is connected to a retracting spring which exerts a downwardly directed force on the heddle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3495537B1Shed-forming device for a weaving machine
Publication Date: 2021.07.07 VANDEWIELE NV
  • EP3495537B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4
  • EP3495537B1 patent drawingFigure 5~8
  • EP3495537B1 patent drawingFigure 9~12

AI summary

The present invention relates to a shed-forming device comprising elastically deformable selection elements (1); (28a)-(28f) which can be placed in an undeformed position or in a deformed position, electromagnetic selectors (2) which can be actuated in order to place or keep each selection element (1) in successive weaving cycles in one of said positions, and presenting means (3) in order to mechanically deform selection elements (1) in the direction of a selector (2) in each weaving cycle into a presenting position in which they are kept at a distance from the selector (2) by a stop (4). The invention also relates to a method for positioning selection elements of a shed-forming device in this manner.