Self-Contained Weaving Loom Motor Assembly with Integrated Cooling and Damping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shed-forming devices for weaving looms require multiple electrical power and signal lines, leading to lengthy and expensive connection processes, and are prone to electromagnetic interference and high manufacturing costs due to the need for separate cooling systems and vibration-induced flange degradation.
Innovation Solution
A self-contained assembly with a brushless synchronous motor unit housed in a casing, featuring a support with integrated cooling ducts and damping elements to absorb vibrations, allowing for a single power and communication line connection and reducing electromagnetic interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple electrical power and signal lines are used to connect each actuator to remote control/drive means, then each heddle frame can be operated individually, but the connection operations become lengthy and expensive, and electromagnetic interference occurs on control/drive signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple electrical functions (power supply and signal transmission) into a single integrated cable system. The control/drive means and power supply are merged into one unified connection that serves all heddle frames simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate lines for each function and each actuator.
Solution Approach 2:
The single integrated cable system performs multiple functions: it provides electrical power to all actuators, transmits control signals to each heddle frame, and serves as a communication line all at once. This multi-functional approach replaces the previous requirement for multiple dedicated lines.
2Ease of operation
If remote control/drive means are located at a distance from the electric motor unit, then control functions are centralized, but two separate cooling systems are required to protect both the control/drive means and the motor from overheating
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control/drive means and the electric motor unit into a single integrated assembly with a shared cooling system. Instead of maintaining separate cooling circuits for the control electronics and the motor, one unified cooling system serves both components, reducing complexity while maintaining centralized control functionality.
3Ease of manufacture
If flanges are closely linked to the motor unit to reduce assembly costs, then assembly becomes simpler, but vibrations and heating from the motor degrade the flange integrity and cooling circuit sealing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a flexible coupling or damping element as an intermediary between the motor unit and the flange. This intermediate component acts as a buffer that absorbs vibrations and thermal stresses, protecting the flange and cooling circuit sealing from degradation while maintaining the close coupling needed for efficient power transmission.
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 design reduces the number of electrical cables needed, lowers manufacturing costs, and minimizes the risk of failure by integrating cooling and damping within the self-contained assembly, while maintaining efficient operation and compactness.
Implementation Method 1
The self-contained assembly includes damping elements placed so as to form a flexible link between the support and the electric motor unit
Implementation Method 2
the support has at least one cooling duct for the flow of a heat-transfer fluid
Implementation Method 3
the electrical circuit being mounted on the support, while the support has at least one cooling duct for the flow of a heat-transfer fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A weaving loom having self-contained assemblies that operate pulling systems for controlling heddle frames wherein each assembly includes at least one electric motor housed in a casing and at least one motor control unit having an electrical circuit for controlling electric power to the electric motor and wherein the self-contained assembly also includes a support on which the motor control unit is mounted and the support having at least one cooling duct extending there through. The self-contained assembly having damping elements providing a damping effect between the support and the electric motor.