Compound Needle Waste Discharge Window Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing compound needles used in flat knitting machines suffer from insufficient strength and waste accumulation in the slider groove, leading to instability in hook operation and stitch formation, particularly in fine-gauge machines.
Innovation Solution
A compound needle design featuring a waste discharge window on the needle body's side face, connected to the rear end of the slider groove, and a waste discharge hole in the intermediate portion of the needle body, which facilitates waste removal and prevents accumulation, combined with an engaging portion to prevent the slider from rising.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If a hole is formed extending greater than or equal to half the length of the bottom portion of the slider groove to discharge waste, then waste discharge is improved, but the strength of the needle body in the thickness direction is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The waste discharge path is segmented into two separate features: a waste discharge hole formed in the lower face at an intermediate portion of the bottom portion, and a waste discharge window formed in the side face connected to the rear end portion. This segmentation allows waste to be discharged through multiple paths without requiring a single large hole that would compromise structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The waste discharge window is formed in the side face of the needle body, utilizing the lateral dimension rather than only the vertical dimension. This allows waste to be discharged from the rear end side of the slider groove through a different spatial dimension, reducing the need for large holes in the thickness direction that would weaken the needle body.
2Productivity
If a large hole is formed in the needle body for waste discharge, then waste discharge capability is improved, but the needle body becomes weaker and more prone to breakage in fine-gauge machines
Solution Approach 1:
The waste discharge function is divided between a small waste discharge hole in the lower face and a waste discharge window in the side face. This segmentation provides sufficient waste discharge capability while using smaller, less intrusive openings that do not significantly compromise the needle body's strength and durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The waste discharge window acts as an intermediary structure that facilitates waste removal by providing an additional discharge path connected to the rear end portion of the slider groove. This intermediary feature enhances waste discharge efficiency without requiring large modifications to the needle body structure.
3Ease of operation
If waste accumulates in the slider groove, then sliding of the slider is hindered, but forming a large hole to prevent accumulation reduces needle body strength
Solution Approach 1:
The waste discharge system is segmented into a waste discharge hole and a waste discharge window, providing multiple pathways for waste removal. This ensures smooth slider operation by preventing waste accumulation without requiring a single large hole that would weaken the needle body.
Solution Approach 2:
The waste discharge features are strategically positioned: the waste discharge hole is located at an intermediate portion of the bottom portion, and the waste discharge window is connected to the rear end portion of the slider groove. This local placement optimizes waste discharge at critical locations while preserving the overall strength of the needle body.
Data Source
Figure 1(A)~1(C)
Figure 2(I)~2(II)
Figure 3(A)~3(C)
AI summary
The present invention provides a compound needle that has sufficient strength and suppresses the accumulation of waste in a slider groove. The compound needle 1 includes a needle body 2 that has a hook 20 provided at the tip and a slider groove 21 provided in an upper end face, and a slider 3 that is slidably fitted into the slider groove 21 and opens and closes the hook 20. The compound needle 1 also includes a waste discharge window 4 that is formed in a side face of the needle body 2 and is in communication with a portion of the slider groove 21 located on a rear end side in the sliding direction of the slider 3. The waste discharge window 4 has a shape capable of accommodating the rear end of a portion of the slider 3 that slides on a bottom portion 21b of the slider groove 21, when the slider 3 is at the most withdrawn position in the sliding direction.