Development of a Computerized System for Fabric Structure Design based on Dobby Device Mechanism

Abstract

     Generally,  a fabric design  can  be established as follows:

firstly. The required fabric design is planned on the punched

plastic card using the punching machine. Secondly, the punched

plastic card  is used by the dobby device that  attached to the

textile machine (rapier weaving loom) to make the final fabric

design as required.

     In this study, a direct interfacing system between a personal

computer and the textile machine (rapier weaving loom) was

established to replace the conventional system (plastic card and

punching machine).

      This  system  is  applied  in  the  University  of  Gezira to

enhance performance (decrease the design time, requirements

and the complexity) of the existing conventional dobby device.

The  system  was   developed  using  Microsoft  Visual  Basic,

Personal Computer, coil, and Parallel Printer Port. The system

reads the machine statues via the input lines connected to the

power adapter and a mechanical sensor. Then the system issues a

suitable  action  on the machine by generating the electric signal

applied  on  the  coil.     The magnetic field controls  the shaft

movement and selects the required color according to the design

parameters. The system also repeats the color selection process

until the total length required is completed.By using this system;

the  woven design operations  become quite  simple, easy  and

flexible.