Electromechanical Jacquard machine

For my final proyect I want to creat a prototipe for an Electromechanical Jacquard machine.

Research

Developed in 1804 by Joseph-Marie Jacquard. The Jacquard loom is a weaving machine that lets the user create textiles with complex patterns using perforated plates that function as guides to tell the machine how to weave the treads[1]. Of course, this explanation is vague and doesn´t really explain what it actually does. In order to demonstrate how this machine works I´ve found this video created by Macclesfield Museums. Link to chanel

Understanding the Jacquard mechanism is only the beginning. Now the question is: How can we implement an electromechanical mechanism? And why?. First of all, we need to remember that the Jacquard mechanism is an ancestor to a computer, in the sense that it works with a binary algorithm, the tread stays down or it goes up. However, due to the mechanical function of the machine, the patterns that it can create in the tapestry are limited, in order to make a complex pattern you need an industrial-sized machine. But if there were a way to digitalize the way it makes the patterns it could result in a machine capable of complex designs while being the size of a desk.

Sketches

There are two initial problems with my sketch. The first one is the space I need to implement the mechanical and electrical components, the machine needs enough space for the treads to pass from one side to the other, and the same goes for the frames. My initial solution would be to make it taller, so the electromechanical implements end up in the base of the machine. The second problem is more on the mechanical part, so far the sketch is based on my knowledge of the Jacquard machine and basic mechanical principles. But I have no idea how it would actually function on a real prototype. I need to further understand the Jacquard machine in order to create a more accurate design.

Second sketch and new ideas

Talking with my instructors about the ideas for the final project I was presented with a new idea for the mechanism, as I explained before, the Jacquard loom works with perforated plates that determine which treads stay down or go up. This new idea consists of using a system similar to the flip discs, the flip disc is an electromechanical dot matrix display that's usually used to create changing signs and displays, like a mechanical version of LED signs, it was commonly used in the USA's school buses that had signs, using the flip-disc matrix they could write different thing's like warning signs. I'll leave the link to a website that further explains how flip-discs work. Flip-disc website

Sketch 2 & New mechanism

The new design changes the mechanism that controls which tread stays down and which tread goes up. The treads pass through a "needle" this needle has a hook that will get trapped in the disc. This way I can precisely select which treads stay down and which treads go up.

Flip discs 3D model

Here's the design and prototype for a flip disc base that will be implemented into the loom.

Flip disc prototype

Prototype demonstration and initial code. The flip disc magnetic field is controlled by coils made with nails and copper and the polarity is changed using an h-bridge and a button (once is completed the buttons will be replaced by the software.

Cites

Britannica, T. Editors of Encyclopaedia (2022, January 26). Jacquard loom. Encyclopedia Britannica.Britannicas website