Automated Shoe Upper Stitching Jig for Consistent Seam Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual stitching of shoe upper parts is labor-intensive and results in inconsistencies between shoes, leading to inefficiencies and rejected products due to the need for skilled workers to manipulate and stitch various components together.
Innovation Solution
An automated stitching system using a jig capable of being coupled to an automated stitching machine, with a two-axis positioning mechanism and a computing device to control the needle head and positioning mechanism, allowing for precise alignment and stitching of shoe parts according to stored patterns, reducing human intervention and ensuring consistency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual stitching machine is used, then worker can skillfully manipulate shoe parts to form seams, but labor intensity increases and consistency between shoes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual stitching machine with an automated stitching system that uses a positioning mechanism and computer-controlled needle actuation. The system automatically positions and stitches shoe parts according to stored patterns, eliminating manual manipulation while maintaining seam consistency and reducing labor intensity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a positioning mechanism that can be programmed with stored patterns to replicate precise stitching positions. The system copies the desired seam pattern into the positioning mechanism, allowing automated reproduction of consistent seams without manual intervention for each stitch.
2Productivity
If automated stitching machine is used, then productivity increases and consistency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the automated stitching system into separate functional modules: a positioning mechanism for X and Y axis movement, a needle actuation system, and a control system. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while working together to achieve automated stitching with manageable complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning mechanism is designed to handle multiple functions including X-axis movement, Y-axis movement, and pattern storage. By making the positioning mechanism multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby managing overall system complexity while maintaining high productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A stitching system includes a jig capable of joining two shoe parts and capable of being used in an automated stitching machine. The jig includes a lower member capable of being operably coupled to the automated stitching machine and an upper member also capable of being operably coupled to the automated stitching machine. The two shoe parts are held in place between the lower member and the upper member. The lower member, the upper member and the two shoe parts therebetween are moved by the automated stitching machine in accordance with a pattern stored in the automated stitching machine.