Torsion Bar Energy Release Mechanism
topic
Projectile loom torsion bar systems store mechanical energy by twisting a steel rod through 90 degrees using a cam-driven mechanism, releasing the stored energy through a picking shoe that strikes the projectile to accelerate it to 20 to 25 metres per second in 8 to 10 milliseconds, with torsion bar energy and picking shoe geometry optimised for each projectile weight and machine width combination to achieve consistent projectile flight velocity.
Role
Provides the high-force, short-duration energy impulse needed to accelerate the projectile carrier to insertion velocity within the limited time available before shed closure, with torsion bar stiffness and preload angle determining the projectile launch velocity that must be consistent pick-to-pick to achieve uniform weft tension and insertion completeness across all picks in the fabric.