Tufting Machine Gripper Assembly for Controlled Hook Gap
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing grippers for tufting machines suffer from gaps between the base body and insert body, leading to yarn damage, uneven carpet surfaces, and potential jamming due to the soft solder being washed out, which compromises the uniformity and integrity of the product.
Innovation Solution
A gripper design with a stop element on the base body and a contact element on the insert body, limiting the gap size by attaching the insert body at three points longitudinally, and using precise positioning elements to maintain alignment during manufacturing, ensuring the insert body's relative position is fixed relative to the base body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the base body and insert body are joined using soldering or adhesive bonding, then the two bodies are connected together, but the relative position between them shifts during the joining process, causing the gap to grow uncontrollably
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by providing positioning elements (protrusions and recesses) on the base body and insert body before the joining process. These elements pre-establish the correct relative position between the two bodies, preventing position shift during soldering or adhesive bonding. The positioning elements act as mechanical guides that maintain alignment throughout the joining operation.
2Manufacturing precision
If a spring element is used to secure the insert body during manufacture, then the insert body is held in position, but the spring element is too delicate to be effective
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the positioning function into two separate components: positioning elements (protrusions and recesses) that define the relative position, and joining elements that provide the securing strength. This separation allows each component to be optimized independently - the positioning elements for precision and the joining elements for strength - rather than relying on a single delicate spring element to perform both functions.
3Ease of manufacture
If the gap between base body and insert body is large, then the bodies can be easily assembled, but the yarn comes into contact with the gap edges, causing damage and uneven carpet surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the intermediary principle by introducing positioning elements (protrusions and recesses) that act as mediators between the base body and insert body. These elements control and limit the gap size to a precise, small dimension that prevents yarn damage while still allowing for assembly. The positioning elements ensure the gap remains within acceptable tolerances throughout the product lifecycle.
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
Reduces yarn damage and ensures a uniform carpet surface by minimizing the gap between the base and insert bodies, preventing yarn breakage and jamming, thereby enhancing the gripper's durability and product quality.
Implementation Method 1
as the solder cools and hardens, the insert body's position relative to the base body can shift
Implementation Method 2
the lifting element on the base body and the contact element on the insert body determine a relative longitudinal position of the bodies
Implementation Method 3
A similar shift can occur during the curing of an adhesive bond when the base body and insert body are glued together
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a gripper (1) for a tufting machine, comprising a base body (2) and an insert body (3). The gripper (1) has a holding section (4) and a guide section (5) extending longitudinally. The guide section (5) terminates longitudinally away from the holding section (4) in a hook (14) which has an inner surface (15) in which a joining gap (18) is arranged between the base body (2) and the insert body (3). According to the invention, the gripper (1) is characterized in that a stop (6) is arranged in the guide section (5) of the gripper (1) on the base body (2), against which the insert body (3) is abutted longitudinally relative to the holding section (4) in order to limit the size of the joining gap (18) on the inner surface of the hook (14).