Weaving Machine Gripper Device for Simultaneous Weft Thread Insertion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing weaving machines face limitations in inserting multiple weft threads simultaneously without entangling, which restricts the choice of weaving patterns due to the permanent threading of one weft thread and the need for thread separators to maintain separation during clamping.

Innovation Solution

A method and device where a gripper device inserts at least two weft threads simultaneously by moving one thread transversally away from the other at the weft thread insertion side before crossing warp threads, ensuring they remain separated over their inserted length using an adjustment device, and a presenting device to maintain distance between the threads during the weaving process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If two weft threads are permanently threaded onto a feed gripper and guided along separate running paths, then entangling of the weft threads is prevented, but the choice of weaving pattern is very limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethread separationVSAvoidweaving pattern choice
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the thread separation mechanism adjustable rather than fixed. The distance between the two weft threads can be dynamically changed according to different weaving patterns, allowing the system to adapt between maintaining separation for entanglement prevention and allowing closer proximity for different pattern requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the parameter of thread distance from a fixed state to a variable state. By adjusting the distance between weft threads based on the specific weaving pattern requirements, the system can optimize both entanglement prevention and pattern versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If thread separators are provided at the gripper device to keep weft threads separated, then entanglement is prevented during clamping, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethread separationVSAvoidgripper device structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The presenting device serves multiple functions: it presents weft threads to the gripper, maintains thread separation, and enables distance adjustment. By making the presenting device multi-functional, the patent avoids adding separate dedicated separation mechanisms, thus reducing overall device complexity while maintaining thread separation reliability.

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

3Reliability

If weft threads are presented at a distance from each other, then entanglement is avoided, but the inserted length of the weft threads decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethread separationVSAvoidinserted length
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the thread distance adjustable rather than fixed. The distance between weft threads can be dynamically optimized to balance entanglement prevention with maintaining sufficient inserted length, allowing the system to adapt to different weaving requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the parameter of thread distance from fixed to variable, allowing optimization of both separation distance and inserted length based on specific weaving pattern requirements and thread tension conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3014004B1Method and device for inserting two weft threads at the same time
Publication Date: 2019.04.03 PICANOL NV
  • EP3014004B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3014004B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3014004B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

Weaving machine, device and method for inserting weft threads into a shed of a weaving machine by means of a gripper device (3), wherein at least a first weft thread (5) and a second weft thread (6) are inserted at the same time, and wherein an adjustment device (47) is driven to move the first weft thread (5) at the weft thread insertion side (71) of the weaving machine (1) transversally to the insertion direction (32) and away from the second weft thread (6), so that, when the first weft thread (5) and/or the second weft thread (6) are caught by crossing warp threads (7), the first weft thread (5) and the second weft thread (6) are distanced from each other over their inserted length.