Weaving Drive Mechanism Configuration via Three-Target Sensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for determining the configuration of drive mechanisms in weaving machines require advance information about movement profiles, which can be cumbersome and prone to inaccuracies.

Innovation Solution

A method using a sensor device with a target set comprising an upper, middle, and lower target on the moving element, and a stationary sensor element to detect these targets, allowing the configuration to be determined without prior knowledge of the movement profile, by detecting target moments during the movement of the element.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If advance information about movement profiles is used to determine drive mechanism configuration, then the determination process is simplified, but the method becomes cumbersome and prone to inaccuracies

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetermination process simplicityVSAvoidconfiguration determination accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/manual method of using advance movement profile information with an optical sensing system. A sensor device detects targets attached to the moving element, generating signals that automatically provide precise configuration determination without requiring manual input of movement profiles, thus eliminating the trade-off between simplicity and accuracy

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-determination of drive mechanism configuration by the moving element itself. The targets on the moving element automatically generate detection signals during normal operation, allowing the system to determine its own configuration parameters without external intervention or pre-programmed movement profiles

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If a sensor device with multiple targets is used to detect configuration without prior knowledge, then adaptability to various weaving conditions is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to weaving conditionsVSAvoidsensor device complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the sensing function into multiple discrete targets (first, second, and third targets) positioned at different locations on the moving element. Each target provides independent detection information, enabling the system to determine various configuration parameters (stroke, phase, amplitude) through simple presence/absence detection, achieving high adaptability without complex processing requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor device with multiple targets serves multiple functions simultaneously: it detects the moving element's position, determines configuration parameters, and adapts to different weaving conditions all through the same hardware setup. The multiple targets enable a single device to handle various measurement tasks without requiring additional specialized sensors

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4151787B1Method for determining a configuration of a drive mechanism with a moving element and system
Publication Date: 2026.03.18 PICANOL NV
  • EP4151787B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4151787B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4151787B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for determining configuration of a drive mechanism (2) having a moving element (12, 16, 17, 20, 21, 22) for driving a heald frame (1), wherein the sensor device (40) comprises a target set (41) provided on the moving element (12, 16, 17, 20, 21, 22) with an upper target (43) and a lower target (45), and the sensor device (40) comprises a sensor element (42) arranged stationary on the weaving machine, wherein the method comprises operating the drive mechanism (2) to move the moving element (12, 16, 17, 20, 21, 22) so that the target set (41) passes the sensor element (42), detecting with the sensor element (42) the presence of the upper target (43) and the lower target (45) within the sensing range, and determining an upper target detecting moment (63) and a lower target detecting moment (65) in a weaving cycle upon detecting the upper target (43) and the lower target (45), and the method comprises detecting with the sensor element (42) the presence of a middle target (44) within the sensing range, wherein the middle target (44) is provided on the moving element (12, 16, 17, 20, 21, 22) of the drive mechanism (2) and arranged between the upper target (43) and the lower target (45), determining a middle target detecting moment (64) in the weaving cycle upon detecting the middle target (44), and determining a configuration of the drive mechanism (2) based on the upper target detecting moment (63), the middle target detecting moment (64), and the lower target detecting moment (65). The invention further relates to a moving element of a drive mechanism for driving a heald frame of a weaving machine, and to a system comprising a moving element and a sensor device.