Adjustable Stitch Holder with Locking Fastener
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current stitch holders are inflexible, distort the knitted item, and cannot accommodate varying sizes, leading to raveling of live stitches and inefficiencies in managing unfinished knitting projects.
Innovation Solution
A locking fastener assembly with a spring mechanism and adjustable string system that securely holds live stitches without distorting the knitted item, allowing for flexible adjustment and secure retention of stitches for later use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If current stitch holders with predetermined lengths are used, then the device structure is simple, but the adaptability to different sizes is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The stitch holder employs a dynamic structure where the cable length can be adjusted by the user. The cable passes through a locking mechanism that allows it to be extended or retracted to different lengths, transforming a static predetermined-length design into a dynamic adjustable one. This resolves the contradiction by enabling adaptability to different garment sizes while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameter of cable length from a fixed value to a variable parameter. The locking mechanism enables the cable length parameter to be modified according to different needs, allowing the same device to accommodate various sizes. This parameter change approach directly addresses the adaptability issue without significantly complicating the device structure.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If current stitch holders force the knitted material to conform to their shape, then the device structure is simple, but the knitted item is distorted
Solution Approach 1:
The stitch holder uses a flexible cable instead of a rigid structured holder. The cable can bend and conform to the natural shape of the knitted material rather than forcing the material to conform to a fixed shape. This flexible design eliminates distortion while maintaining structural simplicity, as the cable naturally adapts to the garment's form.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable-based design allows the stitch holder to follow curved and organic shapes of knitted garments rather than imposing straight or angular forms. The flexibility to conform to curvature enables the holder to accommodate the natural drape and shape of fabric without causing unwanted distortion or bunching.
3Reliability
If current stitch holders are used, then the device is simple to manufacture, but the live stitches may ravel
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into separate components: a locking element and a corresponding locking feature. This segmentation allows for reliable stitch retention through the interaction of these parts while keeping each individual component simple to manufacture. The modular approach ensures secure retention without requiring a complex integrated structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-securing through the interaction of the locking element and locking feature. Once the cable is positioned, the mechanism automatically engages to secure the stitches, providing reliable retention without requiring additional active components or complex control systems. This self-service approach enhances reliability while minimizing structural complexity.
4Ease of operation
If current stitch holders are used, then the device structure is simple, but the operation flexibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable cable length mechanism provides dynamic operation flexibility. The user can easily adjust the cable length by manipulating the locking mechanism, allowing the device to be adapted for different operations and garment sizes. This dynamic adjustability enhances ease of operation while adding only minimal structural complexity through the locking components.
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 a flexible and adjustable means to hold live stitches without distorting the knitted item, allowing for precise management of knitting projects and reducing the risk of raveling, enabling easier project management and storage.
Implementation Method 1
a spring mechanism that couples the inner element to the groove. When the inner element moves towards the groove, the movement compresses the spring mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
The adjustable stitch holder is a versatile and easy method for securely holding live stitches when knitting. The stitch holder allows for using smaller materials, a locking fastener and string, that are portable and take little storage room. Adjusting the locking fastener to a specific measurement allows an item to be tried on, to be measured properly, or to determine if the shape is correct. Because the string has little to no memory, the ends, regardless of length, will hang not pulling or distorting the knit material. In addition, the flexible string allows an item to be laid flat for measuring making the measurement more accurate. Further, stitches or knitted items have little chance of being damaged by the stitch holder and the stitch holder will conform to the knit item instead of being forced into a shape.