Structure and performance analysis of magnetic suspension gripper driving system

Traditional magnetic suspension gripper adopts a torsion shaft to convert mechanical energy into kinetic energy; however, their weft insertion efficiency is relatively low, with a weft insertion rate of only approximately 23.3 m/s. Our research group has designed a novel magnetic suspension gripper and weft insertion system, and have constructed a new gripper structure. As the core component of the weft insertion system, the structural parameters of the weft insertion device directly influence the system's weft insertion rate. This paper focuses on the magnetic suspension gripper as the research subject and employs finite element analysis software to examine the effects of multi-parameter coupling, including gripper mass, length-to-thickness ratio, and outer and inner diameter, on the emission speed and weft insertion efficiency. The simulation results indicate that, when the mass of the gripper remains constant, the weft insertion rate of the system increases with an increase in the length-to-thickness ratio, revealing the existence of an optimal length-to-thickness ratio. The experiment simulates the acceleration process of the electromagnetic coil driving the gripper to insert the weft and establishes the relationship between the working position of the magnetic suspension gripper and the electromagnetic force. It is calculated that, under the drive of a single-turn coil, the weft insertion rate of the gripper can reach nearly 43.35 m/s, significantly enhancing weft insertion efficiency based on fundamental principles and demonstrating strong practical implications.