Projectile Weaving Loom Electromagnetic Coil Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electromagnetic weft yarn insertion devices for projectile weaving looms face inefficiencies due to high energy losses and mechanical stresses, as they struggle to maintain consistent electromagnetic forces along the projectile's trajectory, leading to suboptimal speeds and mechanical strain.

Innovation Solution

The use of a series of consecutively arranged coils, each with a length that is an integer submultiple of an optimal length, sequentially activated in groups to maintain maximum electromagnetic force efficiency, combined with position sensors and a closed-loop control system to optimize energy use and reduce mechanical stress.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If a single long coil is used for electromagnetic launching, then the projectile can be accelerated over a longer distance, but energy losses due to Joule effect increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprojectile launching speedVSAvoidenergy loss due to Joule effect
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The single long coil is divided into multiple shorter coils arranged in series along the projectile trajectory. Each coil has an optimal length that minimizes Joule effect losses while providing sufficient acceleration. The coils are activated sequentially as the projectile passes through them, maintaining continuous acceleration without the energy penalties of a single long coil.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Speed

If the coil length is increased to provide longer acceleration distance, then projectile speed improves, but the electromagnetic force becomes less effective in the extended regions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprojectile exit speedVSAvoidenergy dissipation in non-effective coil regions
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the coil system into multiple optimal-length coils, each coil maintains high electromagnetic force effectiveness throughout its entire length. The sequential arrangement ensures that the projectile receives maximum acceleration from each coil segment without entering regions of diminished returns that would occur in a single extended coil.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The multiple coils are activated in sequence to provide continuous acceleration along the projectile's path. Each coil is energized only when needed as the projectile passes through its region, ensuring that electromagnetic force is always applied effectively without waste in inactive or oversaturated regions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Force

If mechanical thrust members are used to launch the projectile, then high impulse thrust can be achieved, but mechanical stresses and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimpulse thrust on projectileVSAvoidmechanical component complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanical thrust member system is replaced with an electromagnetic coil system that generates force through magnetic fields. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical components such as cam mechanisms, torsion bars, and physical contact points, while delivering equivalent or superior impulse thrust through non-contact electromagnetic acceleration.

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

4Speed

If electromagnetic coils are activated continuously, then the projectile can be accelerated throughout the coil length, but the projectile may oscillate around the central position due to stable equilibrium

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprojectile accelerationVSAvoidtrajectory control stability
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The coil system is segmented into multiple independent units that can be activated selectively. By controlling which segments are active at any given moment, the system can guide the projectile through the shed along a controlled path without allowing it to settle into oscillatory equilibrium, as each segment creates a moving electromagnetic force field that continuously propels the projectile forward.

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

This approach minimizes energy waste, reduces mechanical stress, and achieves higher efficiency and reliability in projectile acceleration, enabling faster speeds with reduced manufacturing and operational costs.

Implementation Method 1

the acceleration produced on the projectile by an electromagnetic field in which the projectile is immersed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Lorentz Force

Implementation Method 2

create a magnetic field as even and parallel as possible around such trajectory

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentEP3075892B1Projectile weaving loom with an electromagnetic device for the insertion of the weft yarns
Publication Date: 2018.11.21 ITEMA
  • EP3075892B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3075892B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3075892B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An electromagnetic weft yarn insertion device in a projectile weaving loom of the type wherein projectiles (1) are launched into the shed through the electromagnetic force caused by a plurality of adjacent coils (3) aligned along the projectile trajectory and sequentially activated during projectile movement. The coils (3) are activated in groups of more consecutive coils (4), the position of the group of activated coils (4) being sequentially moved forward by a single coil (3) at a time in agreement with the projectile (1) position.