Weft Thread Presentation Guiding Element

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing apparatuses for presenting weft threads to weaving machines face challenges in achieving a large stroke at high speeds due to transverse forces exerted by the crank mechanism, which result in frictional forces and limitations in the movement of presenting elements.

Innovation Solution

The apparatus employs a guiding element to support the connecting rod, compensating transverse forces and allowing the presenting element to move only in the longitudinal direction, minimizing friction and enabling high-speed movement over a large distance, with a crank mechanism and connecting rod system that includes a pivot and elastic supports for efficient operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the presenting element is directly connected to the crank without a guiding element, then the structure is simpler, but transverse forces cause frictional forces that limit high-speed movement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoidmovement speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

A guiding element is introduced as an intermediary component between the crank mechanism and the presenting element. This guiding element specifically compensates for transverse forces generated during crank rotation, allowing the presenting element to move smoothly in the longitudinal direction without experiencing harmful frictional forces from transverse movements. The guiding element acts as a mediator that isolates the presenting element from the problematic transverse force components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If the presenting element is moved over a large distance at high speeds, then productivity increases, but frictional forces in bearing points increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveweft thread presentation efficiencyVSAvoidfrictional energy loss
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The harmful transverse force components are extracted and isolated from the presenting element through the guiding element. By separating the longitudinal movement function from the transverse force interference, the system enables large-stroke high-speed movement of the presenting element without the energy loss that would otherwise occur due to friction in bearing points caused by transverse forces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Length of moving object

If multiple elements are used in the crank mechanism to achieve large stroke, then the stroke increases, but the inertia of the mechanism increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestroke lengthVSAvoidmechanism inertia
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The pivot connection between the presenting element and connecting rod is designed to be formed at the height of the guiding element, creating a dynamic configuration where the presenting element's movement is directly coupled with the connecting rod's motion. This dynamic arrangement allows the stroke to be optimized without requiring additional heavy elements, as the geometry of the pivot and guiding element arrangement naturally provides the necessary movement range.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 solution allows for high-speed, long-distance movement of presenting elements with reduced friction and inertia, enabling efficient weft thread presentation, and the modular design simplifies adaptation to different fabric requirements and facilitates easy replacement.

Implementation Method 1

the guiding element is able to compensate transverse forces exerted on the connecting rod by the crank, so that the presenting element is only subjected to forces in its longitudinal direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectForce compensation: Force

Implementation Method 2

the presenting element is connected to the connecting rod by a pivot, wherein the pivot is formed at the height of the guiding element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPivot connection: Hinge

Implementation Method 3

The support on which the bearing bush is attached to the frame preferably comprises an elastic rubber socket. Due to the mounting of the presenting elements with 'elastic' supports, the presenting elements are allowed to move within defined limits with the weft thread

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 4

the bearing bush comprises a pin received rotatably by the support for allowing the presenting elements to move with the weft thread

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction reduction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP2893067B1Apparatus for presenting weft threads
Publication Date: 2019.04.03 PICANOL NV
  • EP2893067B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2893067B1 patent drawingFigure 3~7
  • EP2893067B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6

AI summary

The invention relates to an apparatus for presenting weft threads to an insertion device of a weaving machine, comprising at least one presenting element (2) mounted displaceable in longitudinal direction between a rest position and a feed position, a crank mechanism (3) for driving the at least one presenting element (2) with a crank (30) and a connecting rod (31), wherein the at least one presenting element (2) is attached to the connecting rod (31), and wherein the connecting rod (31) is supported by a guiding element (6) for compensating transverse forces.