Pivoting Weaving Machine Back Rest Profile

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing back rests for weaving machines fail to maintain optimal tension in warp threads, causing undesired tensions and movement issues due to their stiffness or lack of flexibility, which is problematic for both stiff and delicate threads.

Innovation Solution

A back rest with a plate-shaped profile, pivotally arranged on a support element, utilizing a resilient force element applied between the support point and guide section to leverage forces, ensuring the back rest remains slack yet follows warp thread movements effectively, balancing tension and flexibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If a stiff back rest is used to maintain warp thread tension, then the warp threads are kept tensioned, but the back rest causes undesired tensions and restricts movement of delicate warp threads

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewarp thread tensionVSAvoidundesired tensions in warp threads
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The back rest is designed as a dynamically adjustable system with multiple supports that can independently move along the warp threads. This allows the back rest to adapt its stiffness and position in real-time, providing sufficient tension for stiff threads while remaining flexible enough for delicate threads, thus eliminating undesired tensions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The back rest is divided into multiple independent supports rather than a single rigid structure. Each support can move independently along the warp threads, allowing different sections to provide different levels of tension. This segmentation enables the system to handle both stiff and delicate warp threads simultaneously without causing harmful tensions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If a flexible back rest is used to allow undisturbed movement of warp threads, then the warp threads can move freely, but the back rest cannot maintain sufficient tension on the warp threads

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemovement of warp threadsVSAvoidwarp thread tension
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The supports are designed to be dynamically adjustable, capable of moving along the warp threads while maintaining contact. This dynamic capability allows the back rest to be flexible enough to permit free movement of warp threads during weaving operations, yet capable of applying sufficient tension when needed through the resilient force elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The back rest system uses resilient force elements that automatically adjust to maintain optimal tension on the warp threads. The system self-regulates the tension force based on the movement and tension requirements of the warp threads, eliminating the need for external adjustment mechanisms while ensuring both free movement and sufficient tension are maintained.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If a large leaf spring is used to provide following behaviour, then the back rest can follow warp thread movements, but the structure becomes complex and incompatible with large diameter warp beams

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefollowing behaviour of back restVSAvoidback rest structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using a single large leaf spring, the system employs multiple smaller supports that can independently follow warp thread movements. Each support is simpler in structure and can be easily adapted to large diameter warp beams, while collectively providing the same following behaviour as a large leaf spring would attempt to provide.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The traditional leaf spring mechanism is replaced with a system of movable supports equipped with resilient force elements. This substitution eliminates the need for large, complex leaf springs while achieving the same following behaviour through a simpler, more adaptable mechanical system that works effectively with large diameter warp beams.

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 design achieves a lightweight, low-inertia back rest that maintains desired warp tension while minimizing unwanted tensions, allowing for undisturbed warp thread movement and accurate guiding, even at high speeds.

Implementation Method 1

at least one resilient force element (3) for applying a force on the back rest profile (2)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2614180B1Back rest for a weaving machine
Publication Date: 2018.12.05 PICANOL NV
  • EP2614180B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2614180B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2614180B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A back rest for guiding warp threads (10) in a weaving machine with a back rest profile (2) provided of a guide section (11) for guiding warp threads (10), wherein the back rest (1) comprises a resilient force element (3) for supporting the back rest profile (2). The back rest profile (2) is arranged pivotable at a support point (7) and the location (13) of application of force (F2) by the resilient force element (3) on the back rest profile (2) is arranged between the support point (7) and the guide section (11) and is distanced from both the support point (7) and the guide section (11).