Adjustable Sinker Lock for Circular Knitting Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sinker locks in circular knitting machines, particularly for single jersey machines with high gauges, face issues with adjustability due to non-adjustable lock parts, leading to obstructed views of sinkers and needles, inadequate fluff removal, and material inefficiencies when changing patterns.
Innovation Solution
A sinker cam with adjustable lock parts directly mounted on the lock carrier, eliminating the need for lock segments, allowing for lower overall height, improved accessibility, and easy cleaning, with integrated adjustment mechanisms like spring tension and rotatable adjusting heads for precise positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If sinker lock segments are used to provide adjustability, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases and the view of knitting points is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the intermediate lock segments entirely, extracting only the essential function of adjustable lock parts mounted directly on the lock carrier. This eliminates the unnecessary complexity of segments while preserving the adjustability function through direct mounting with integrated adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock part itself is segmented into functional sections, with specific portions made interchangeable while other sections remain fixed. This allows adjustment and pattern changes without replacing entire lock assemblies, reducing complexity while maintaining precision.
2Manufacturing precision
If sinker lock segments are used to provide adjustability, then manufacturing precision is improved, but the view of sinkers and needles is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The obstructing lock segments are completely removed from the design. The lock parts are mounted directly on the lock carrier in a compact arrangement that eliminates the protruding segments, providing clear visibility and access to the knitting point while maintaining full adjustability through integrated adjustment parts.
3Device complexity
If traditional lock parts are used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different machine gauges is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The lock parts are designed with integrated adjustment mechanisms that allow dynamic repositioning along the lock carrier to accommodate different machine gauges and needle pitches. The spring-loaded design with adjustable positioning enables the same lock assembly to adapt to various machine configurations without requiring complex segmented structures.
4Adaptability or versatility
If lock parts are made adjustable, then adaptability is improved, but stability of lock part position is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
A spring-loaded mechanism is incorporated that applies constant pressure to maintain firm contact between the lock part and the lock carrier at the adjusted position. This pre-applied force compensates for any loosening that might occur during operation, ensuring stable positioning while preserving adjustability through the integrated adjustment parts.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides full adjustability, unobstructed views of knitting points, efficient fluff removal, and reduced material usage by allowing only interchangeable sections to be replaced when patterns change, accommodating various machine structures and gauges.
Implementation Method 1
The lock part rests on the lock carrier under spring tension
Implementation Method 2
adjusted by the adjustment part relative to the lock carrier by overcoming the friction between the lock carrier surface and the underside of the lock part
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a sinker lock for circular knitting machines, in particular for single jersey machines, comprising at least one lock part (3) arranged on a lock carrier (1), which lock part is provided for controlling drive-out movements and pull-back movements of sinkers, the lock part (3) being movable relative to the lock carrier (1) in the direction of movement of the sinkers and the lock part (3) being arranged directly on the lock carrier (1) and a movement part (4) being provided, by means of which the lock part (3) can be moved relative to the lock carrier (1).