Weaving Machine Blocking Device for Heald Frame Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing shedding mechanisms in weaving machines face challenges in securely holding heald frames in place during setup without activating the drive motor, particularly due to space limitations and differing designs of swivel levers, which hinder access to coupling elements.

Innovation Solution

A blocking device with adjustable blocking elements, positioned differently in a plane perpendicular to the swivel axis, interacts with the swivel levers and heald frames to prevent movement beyond a setting position, allowing easy access and alignment of all first arms for setup, using a conjoint blocking component with non-linear contact surfaces and an actuator device to manage forces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a blocking device is used to securely hold heald frames in place during setup, then operational safety and stability are improved, but access to coupling elements becomes difficult due to space limitations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability of heald frames during setupVSAvoidaccess to coupling elements
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The blocking elements are designed to be movable between a blocking position (where they prevent downward movement of heald frames) and a retracted position (where they clear the workspace for access). This dynamic positioning allows the same component to provide both stability during setup and ease of access when needed, resolving the contradiction between reliability and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Stability of the object's composition

If all first swivel levers are swivelable about a common swivel axis, then the shedding mechanism achieves uniform motion and proper shedding function, but the differing designs of swivel levers hinder access to coupling elements for setup

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuniform motion of shedding mechanismVSAvoidaccess to coupling elements
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The blocking device provides localized support at different positions along the common swivel axis. By having multiple blocking elements positioned at different locations (with at least one differing in its blocking place in a plane perpendicular to the swivel axis), the device can accommodate different swivel lever designs while maintaining uniform motion control and providing access to coupling elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If blocking elements are positioned to prevent downward movement of heald frames, then gravitational forces are effectively counteracted and stability is improved, but space for accessing coupling elements is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecounteraction of gravitational forcesVSAvoidspace for accessing coupling elements
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The blocking device is segmented into multiple blocking elements that can be positioned at different locations. This segmentation allows the blocking function to be distributed across multiple points, effectively counteracting gravitational forces on different heald frames while leaving sufficient space in between for accessing coupling elements. The non-linear contact surfaces further optimize space utilization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

The blocking device effectively prevents downward movement of heald frames and allows upward movement, ensuring all first arms are in a suitable position for setup, enhancing accessibility and operational safety by counteracting gravitational forces without requiring continuous motor activation.

Implementation Method 1

By means of the blocking device, a downward movement of the heald frames is prevented, whereas gravitational forces act against an upward movement.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravitational forces: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP3481977B1Blocking device and shedding unit for a weaving machine
Publication Date: 2021.01.27 PICANOL NV
  • EP3481977B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3481977B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3481977B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Blocking device witha number of blocking elements(41), wherein each blocking element (41)is assigned to one drive mechanism(2), wherein each blocking element (41)is moveable between aweaving place and a blocking place, wherein each blocking element (41)in its blocking place interacts with the assigned drive mechanism (2) to prevent a movement of the first swivel lever (6) of said drive mechanism (2) beyond the setting position towards the lower position, and wherein in a plane perpendicular to the common swivel axis (7) the blocking place of at least one first blocking element of the number of blocking elements (41)differs from the blocking place of at least one second blocking element of thenumber of blocking elements(41).Shedding unit for a weaving machine with such a blocking device and weaving machine.