Weft Selector with Parallel Distribution Channels
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing weaving technologies face challenges in efficiently selecting and inserting different weft yarns, particularly with rigid materials like carbon yarns, due to imprecision, material damage, and excessive consumption, as they require bending and are not adaptable for various yarn cross-sections.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for weaving that includes a weft selector with movable distribution channels aligned parallel to the weft insertion axis, allowing for straight insertion and clamping of weft yarns, which are then guided by a gripper and inserted into the shed, enabling precise control and minimizing material damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a traditional weft selector with perpendicular distribution channels is used, then the device structure is simple, but rigid weft yarns like carbon yarns are damaged during insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional perpendicular arrangement of distribution channels by aligning them parallel to the weft insertion axis. This fundamental geometric inversion eliminates the shearing action that damages rigid weft yarns, allowing smooth passage through the selector without structural complexity increases.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameter of distribution channel orientation from perpendicular to parallel relative to the weft insertion axis. This parameter change fundamentally alters the interaction between the weft yarn and selector structure, preventing damage while maintaining manufacturing feasibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If rotational swivel arms are used to select weft yarns, then two different weft materials can be inserted, but the rotational movement is imprecise and limited to only two yarn types
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the weft selection system into multiple independent distribution channels, each capable of being independently aligned with the insertion axis. This segmentation allows more than two weft types to be selected with high precision, replacing the limited two-position swivel arm mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic alignment capability where distribution channels can be moved or positioned to align with the insertion axis as needed. This dynamic configuration enables precise selection of multiple weft types beyond the static two-position limitation of swivel arms.
3Device complexity
If weft yarns are presented perpendicularly to the insertion direction, then the selector structure is simple, but fragile yarns cannot be used and strong shearing forces are exerted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional perpendicular presentation of weft yarns by aligning them parallel to the insertion direction. This inversion eliminates shearing forces that damage fragile yarns while maintaining structural simplicity, enabling universal compatibility across all weft material types.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal weft selector structure that can handle all types of weft materials (fragile, rigid, flexible) by aligning distribution channels parallel to the insertion axis. This universal design replaces the material-specific limitations of traditional perpendicular configurations.
4Reliability
If the gripper is closed during weft yarn movement in the selector, then the yarn is securely held, but the yarn cannot be properly positioned for insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic opening and closing of the gripper as the weft yarn moves through the selector. The gripper opens to allow proper yarn positioning and closes only when the yarn is correctly positioned for insertion, maintaining both security and precision through rhythmic action.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary positioning of the weft yarn in the distribution channel before the gripper closes. This preliminary action ensures the yarn is correctly positioned while the gripper remains open, then the gripper closes only after positioning is complete, avoiding positioning errors.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
This method is for weaving a fabric with warp yarns and in-woven weft yarns (34) on a weaving loom which comprises, amongst others, a weft selector (28) and a weft insertion mechanism (20), for drawing-in a weft yarn from a pick-up position into the shed, along a weft insertion axis (Y20) and in a forward direction, the weft insertion mechanism including a gripper (40) openable at the pick-up position. This method includes at least the following steps: opening the gripper; positioning a movable carriage (102) of the weft selector so that the gripper (40) is aligned with a selected weft yarn (34); catching the selected weft yarn with the gripper at the pick-up position; drawing-in the weft yarn with the weft insertion mechanism, from the pick-up position into the shed, along the weft insertion axis and in the forward direction; and cutting the weft yarn. The weft selector defines several selectable distribution channels (130) parallel to the weft insertion axis (Y20), each selectable distribution channel including a forward guiding member (126), for guiding a weft yarn toward the gripper, and a clamp (164). During the second step, a selected distribution channel (130) is aligned on the weft insertion axis (Y120). Between steps b) and c), the method includes at least the following steps: clamping the weft yarn in the selected distribution channel (130), with the clamp (164) of this channel ; and moving the weft yarn (34) along the selected distribution channel (130) toward the gripper (40), while the gripper is opened, by moving the clamp (164) along the selected distribution channel.