Woven Structure with Continuous Binding Thread Variation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing woven structures, such as aircraft lift bags and complex-shaped articles, suffer from manufacturing defects leading to non-uniform stress distribution and structural weakness at assembly zones, resulting in air leaks, premature wear, and increased production time and cost.

Innovation Solution

A woven structure comprising two interconnected walls with a continuous variation in binding thread length, integrated into the fundamental weave of each wall, providing enhanced mechanical resistance and allowing for complex shapes like conical or cylindrical forms, and the use of different materials for varying mechanical strength zones.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If separate textile pieces are assembled by sewing or gluing to form complex shapes, then the article can achieve complex geometries, but structural weakness appears at assembly zones leading to premature wear and filling material loss

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomplex shapeVSAvoidstructural strength at assembly zones
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple separate textile pieces into a single integrated woven structure by incorporating binding threads directly into the weaving process. The binding threads connect multiple walls during weaving, eliminating the need for post-weaving assembly operations like sewing or gluing, thereby removing weak assembly zones while maintaining complex geometries

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Shape

If separate textile pieces are assembled by sewing or gluing, then complex shapes can be formed, but assembly time increases and skilled operators are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomplex shapeVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The binding threads are preliminary integrated into the weaving process itself, connecting multiple walls during the fundamental weaving operation. This preliminary action eliminates the need for subsequent assembly steps, significantly reducing assembly time and removing the requirement for skilled assembly operators

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Strength

If binding threads are used to connect woven walls, then structural strength is improved, but manufacturing defects at break points cause air losses and non-uniform stress distribution

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidresistance to air leaks and manufacturing defects
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The binding threads are merged with the fundamental weave structure, becoming an integral part of the woven fabric rather than separate connectors. This integration eliminates discrete break points and manufacturing defects associated with separate binding operations, ensuring uniform stress distribution and preventing air leaks while maintaining structural strength

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Strength

If a single-piece woven structure is produced, then mechanical resistance to stress is increased and assembly defects are eliminated, but the weaving process must accommodate continuous variation in binding thread length

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical resistance to stressVSAvoidweaving process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The weaving process dynamically adjusts the length of binding thread segments (lies) between consecutive intersections with weft threads. This dynamic variation in binding thread length allows the single-piece structure to accommodate complex geometries and stress distributions while maintaining uniform stress distribution and eliminating assembly defects

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2257665B1Woven structure and panel or vessel including such structure
Publication Date: 2013.05.01 ETAB A DESCHAMPS & FILS
  • EP2257665B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4
  • EP2257665B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

The invention relates to a woven structure including at least two woven walls (11, 12) connected together by at least one unattached linking thread (13). According to the invention, the length variation between two consecutive sinkers of said at least one linking thread (13), each of said sinkers corresponding to a riser per weft yarn of a different wall (11, 12), is continuous on at least a portion of said structure in the direction of the warp and/or in the direction of the weft. The invention can be used in the aeronautic, maritime, furniture an automotive fields.