Adaptive Shed Ventilation for Weaving Machine Cooling and Dust Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing shed forming devices for weaving machines face issues with inadequate airflow due to increased resistance from contamination, leading to overheating, dust accumulation, and frequent filter cleaning, resulting in reduced productivity and shortened fan lifespan.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a ventilation system with regulating means that adjust airflow rate based on measured parameters such as flow rate, velocity, and air pressure, ensuring efficient cooling and overpressure creation while minimizing dust entry and temperature fluctuations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If a high flow rate is set to ensure adequate cooling in worst operating conditions, then cooling efficiency is improved, but energy consumption increases and fan service life decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooling efficiencyVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The ventilation unit operates dynamically by adjusting its rotation speed based on real-time air flow measurements. The control device continuously monitors air flow rate and modulates the fan speed accordingly, transitioning from static high-speed operation to dynamic adaptive operation, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining adequate cooling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

A feedback control system is implemented where a sensor measures the actual air flow rate and feeds this information to the control device. The controller compares the measured flow rate with the desired flow rate and adjusts the ventilation unit's speed to minimize the error, ensuring optimal cooling efficiency with minimal energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Temperature

If a high flow rate is set to ensure adequate cooling in worst operating conditions, then cooling efficiency is improved, but fan service life decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooling efficiencyVSAvoidfan service life
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The fan operates dynamically at variable speeds rather than continuously at maximum speed. The control device adjusts the rotation speed based on actual cooling needs and air flow conditions, reducing mechanical stress and wear on the fan components, thereby extending its service life.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The feedback control system prevents the fan from operating at unnecessarily high speeds by continuously monitoring air flow and adjusting speed to match actual demand. This reduces cumulative operating hours at high stress levels, extending fan lifespan.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Object-affected harmful factors

If a high flow rate is used to prevent dust accumulation, then dust retention is improved, but filter cleaning frequency increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedust accumulationVSAvoidfilter cleaning frequency
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The control device uses feedback from air flow sensors to maintain optimal air flow rates that effectively control dust accumulation. By precisely controlling the air flow, the system maintains effective dust protection without excessive flow rates that would rapidly clog the filter, thereby reducing cleaning frequency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes the air flow parameter based on operating conditions. By adjusting the air flow rate to match actual cooling and dust protection needs rather than maintaining a constantly high flow rate, the filter experiences less contamination buildup, extending its service life.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Use of energy by moving object

If regulating means are added to control air flow rate, then energy efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A feedback control system is implemented with a sensor to measure air flow rate and a control device to adjust the ventilation unit speed. This automated feedback mechanism improves energy efficiency by matching air flow to actual demand, and the complexity is managed through electronic control rather than mechanical regulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces potential mechanical flow regulation mechanisms with an electronically controlled ventilation unit whose speed can be modulated by electrical signals from the control device. This substitution of mechanical regulation with electronic control simplifies the overall system while achieving precise air flow management.

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

This solution maintains optimal airflow and temperature conditions, reducing dust accumulation, extending filter life, and minimizing the need for frequent machine shutdowns, thereby enhancing productivity and extending fan lifespan.

Implementation Method 1

ventilation means to create an air flow in the working space

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectForced Convection: Forced Convection

Implementation Method 2

the ventilation means interact with regulating means for automatically regulating the air flow rate as a function of at least one of the following measured parameters, the flow rate of the said air flow, the velocity of the said air flow, the air pressure in the working space

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFeedback control: Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3242968B1Shed forming device with ventilation means
Publication Date: 2019.02.06 NV MICHEL VAN DE WIELE
  • EP3242968B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3242968B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

This invention relates to a shed forming device for a weaving machine, comprising a working space (3) in which shed forming systems having selection means for the positioning of warp threads are provided, and ventilation means (7) to create an air flow (A) in this working space (3), wherein the ventilation means (7) interact with regulating means (8, 9, 10) for automatically regulating the air flow rate as a function of at least one of the following measured parameters: the flow rate and the velocity of the air flow (A) and the air pressure in the working space (3). As a result, the air flow rate can be rapidly adapted to changing conditions and can always be appropriate for efficient cooling and for creation of an overpressure.