Weaving Machine Sensor Device for Swivel Lever Position Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drive mechanisms for weaving machines fail to reliably detect the presence of a swivel lever in a measuring position, which is crucial for synchronizing the movement of the heald frame with the main shaft, leading to inaccuracies in stroke adjustment and synchronization.
Innovation Solution
A sensor device comprising a target set and a detector set with different characteristics is used to generate distinct signals when the swivel lever approaches or departs from the measuring position, allowing for the determination of the direction of rotation and accurate detection of the measuring position, which is located between the upper and lower positions of the swivel lever.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single sensor detects the swivel lever position, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision is insufficient to distinguish direction of rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor device is segmented into multiple independent detection elements (first sensor, second sensor, third sensor) positioned at different locations. Each sensor detects the presence or absence of the swivel lever independently, and their combined output provides directional information. This segmentation allows the system to distinguish rotation direction without requiring complex single-sensor solutions.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple simple sensor outputs are merged and evaluated together to produce a unified directional determination. The control unit combines signals from the first, second, and third sensors to identify whether the swivel lever is moving between upper and lower positions or vice versa. This merging approach achieves precise measurement through simple individual components.
2Measurement precision
If the measuring position is set at the extreme positions (upper or lower), then the detection is simpler, but the synchronization accuracy with the main shaft is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection at intermediate measuring positions (between upper and lower positions) rather than waiting for extreme positions. By detecting the swivel lever's passage through intermediate points using multiple sensors, the system can determine direction of rotation in advance, enabling more accurate synchronization with the main shaft before the heald frame reaches its extreme positions.
3Reliability
If the sensor device uses targets and detectors with different characteristics, then the reliability of direction detection is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different sensors are positioned at different locations with specific local functions. The first sensor detects one aspect of swivel lever position, the second sensor detects another aspect, and the third sensor provides additional confirmation. Each sensor has a specialized local role, and their combined evaluation provides reliable directional detection. This local quality assignment ensures reliability without requiring each individual sensor to be complex.
Data Source
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AI summary
A drive mechanism for driving a heald frame (1) of a weaving machine, the drive mechanism (2) comprising a sensor device(20), wherein the sensor device (20) comprises at least three members comprising both a target set with one or more targets (21, 22) and a detector set with one or more detectors (23), wherein one of the detector set and the target set is arranged at the swivel lever (6) and the other one is arranged stationary on the weaving machine, wherein targets (21, 22) of the target set and/or detectors (23) of the detector set have different characteristics for generating a first signal (24) when approaching the measuring position from the upper position or when departing from the measuring position towards the upper position and for generating a second signal (25) when approaching the measuring position from the lower position or when departing from the measuring position towards the lower position, wherein the second signal (25) differs from the first signal (24). A method for detecting the presence of a swivel lever (6) of a drive mechanism (2) for driving a heald frame (1) of a weaving machine in a measuring position.