A novel real‐time measuring method for cloth fell distance during weaving

Purpose Cloth fell distance is an effective parameter on controlling pick density during weaving process. The purpose of this study is developing a novel, simple and economic system to measure the cloth fell distance from the front position of the reed in each cycle of weaving process dynamically. Design/methodology/approach This novel system consists of optical sensors used to measure difference between time the reed reaches the cloth fell and time the reed reaches the front. To interpret this time difference to cloth fell distance, reed motion equation has been used. The reed motion curve in terms of angular position of the crankshaft can be calculated by mathematical analysis. Findings This method combining the electronic components and mechanical mechanism of reed motion measures the cloth fell distance online. Originality/value This simple and economic method can be used in all types of weaving machine. High accuracy and high speed processing in comparison to previous reported methods are the most advantages of this new real‐time system.