Weaving Machine Gripper with Segmented Jaw Slot
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Solution Overview
Problem
Grippers for weaving machines are prone to failure and have high manufacturing costs due to stress concentrations and fatigue, especially under external forces and vibrations during operation.
Innovation Solution
A gripper design with a fixed first jaw and a resiliently deformable second jaw, where the first jaw has a slot for precise positioning over the gripper profile, reducing deformation and stress concentrations, and allowing for easy replacement, with a U-shaped profile and screws for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the first jaw is attached fixedly to the gripper profile by welding, then the connection is strong, but stress concentrations occur and fatigue risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first jaw is segmented into a mounting part with a slot and a jaw body, allowing the mounting part to be separately positioned and attached to the gripper profile. This segmentation enables precise positioning through the slot while reducing stress concentrations at the connection points, thereby maintaining connection strength while improving reliability and reducing fatigue risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The slot in the mounting part acts as an intermediary element between the first jaw and the gripper profile. It provides a controlled interface for attachment that distributes stresses more evenly compared to direct welding, reducing stress concentrations and fatigue while maintaining the required connection strength.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the first jaw is rigidly fixed to the gripper profile, then positioning is stable, but deformation occurs under external forces and vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the first jaw into a mounting part with a slot and a jaw body, the design allows the mounting part to be precisely positioned over the gripper profile while the jaw body remains rigid for clamping. This segmentation enables the connection to accommodate vibrations and external forces without deforming the jaw positioning, maintaining both positioning stability and resistance to deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The slot geometry and attachment method are optimized to change the mechanical parameters of the connection, allowing it to be rigid enough to maintain positioning stability while flexible enough to absorb vibrations and external forces without causing deformation to the jaw or gripper profile.
3Ease of repair
If the slot is positioned to allow easy access for maintenance, then ease of repair is improved, but weft threads may enter the slot causing contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The slot is positioned asymmetrically on the mounting part of the first jaw, located on the side opposite to the clamping direction where weft threads enter the clamp. This asymmetric positioning allows maintenance personnel to easily access the slot from the rear or side for jaw replacement while preventing weft threads from entering the slot during normal operation, thus improving ease of repair without risking contamination.
4Manufacturing precision
If welding is used to attach the first jaw to the gripper profile, then manufacturing precision is achieved, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The first jaw is segmented into a mounting part with a slot and a jaw body that can be manufactured separately and assembled. This segmentation allows the use of simpler, lower-cost manufacturing methods for each component while achieving precise positioning through the slot design, thereby reducing overall manufacturing costs while maintaining positioning precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The slot serves as an intermediary attachment feature that enables precise positioning of the first jaw on the gripper profile without requiring expensive welding operations. The slot can be manufactured using standard machining processes and assembled with simple fastening methods, reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining the precision required for proper jaw alignment and function.
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 design enhances the gripper's durability and reduces manufacturing costs by minimizing deformation and fatigue, while allowing for precise positioning and easy maintenance, effectively addressing the susceptibility to failure and cost issues.
Implementation Method 1
the first jaw has a mounting part provided with a slot for pinning the mounting part over the gripper profile... the slot is adapted for pinning the mounting part over the top flank
Implementation Method 2
at least a front end of the second jaw is moveable, in particular resiliently deformable, with respect to the first jaw... internal forces, this means restoring forces of the second jaw forcing the second jaw towards the first jaw
Data Source
Figure 1~5
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
Gripper for a gripper weaving machine comprising a gripper profile (2) and a clamp (30) with a first jaw (3) and a second jaw (4) for clamping a weft thread between the first jaw (3) and the second jaw (4), wherein the first jaw (3) is attached fixedly in position to the gripper profile (2), wherein a front end (9) of the second jaw (4) is moveable with respect to the first jaw (3), and wherein the first jaw (3) has a mounting part (10) provided with a slot (11) for pinning the mounting part (10) over the gripper profile (2). Gripper weaving machine and method for manufacturing such a gripper (1).