Disk Rotor Knitting Element with Sliding Bearing Plates

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing rotary knitting machines face challenges in independently controlling the rotation of multiple rotors and have high processing costs due to the use of projecting rotational axles and complex structures.

Innovation Solution

A knitting element with a circular disk-shaped rotor that features a sliding surface, integrated bearing and supporting plates, and teeth for rotational drive, allowing independent rotor control without a projecting axle, formed from plate materials to reduce costs and simplify the structure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If multiple rotors are held by an integrated holding guide structure, then the structure is simplified, but the rotation of the rotors cannot be controlled independently

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveholding guide structureVSAvoidindependent rotor control
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the holding guide into individual holding guides for each rotor, rather than using a single integrated structure. This segmentation allows each rotor to be controlled independently while maintaining structural simplicity. Each holding guide can be adjusted separately to control the rotation of its corresponding rotor.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If a rotational axle projecting in the axial direction is provided on the rotor, then the rotor can be supported, but processing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverotor supportVSAvoidprocessing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the rotational axle component from the rotor design. Instead of providing a rotational axle projecting in the axial direction, the rotor is supported directly by the holding guide structure through sliding contact. This extraction of the axle component simplifies the rotor structure and reduces processing costs while maintaining reliable rotor support.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of manufacture

If rotors are designed with simple composition without projecting axles, then processing costs are reduced, but the rotor rotation control becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing costVSAvoidrotation control
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a sliding surface as an intermediary between the rotor and the holding guide. The rotor has a sliding surface on its outer peripheral surface that contacts the holding guide, enabling rotation control without requiring a projecting axle. This sliding surface acts as a mediator that transfers rotational motion from the holding guide to the rotor while maintaining a simple rotor structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enables independent rotation control of rotors, reduces processing costs, and facilitates compact and efficient design of knitting machines, allowing for various knitting techniques such as flat, float, tuck, and pile knitting.

Implementation Method 1

the circumferential surface of which forms a sliding surface; a pair of bearing plates which are separated from each other in a radial direction of the rotor and slidably support the circumferential surface of the rotor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP2436813B1Knitting element comprising a rotor and knitting machine comprising that knitting element
Publication Date: 2016.07.20 OKAMOTO INDS
  • EP2436813B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2436813B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2436813B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention provides a knitting element which enables independent control of the rotation of rotors and can be applied to a practicable knitting machine. In a knitting element (1) which carries out knitting by using rotational movement of a rotor (2), that has a circular disk shape, the circumferential surface of the rotor (2) forms a sliding surface. A pair of bearing plates (13,14) which slidably support the circumferential surface of the rotor are arranged in a separated fashion in the radial direction of the rotor (2). A pair of supporting plates (12) are arranged on either side of the rotor (2) in the thickness direction so as to sandwich the rotor (2) and the bearing plates (13,14). These bearing plates (13,14) and the supporting plates (12) are integrated to constitute a thin plate shape. The rotor (2) is provided with an engaging recess section (22) which passes through the rotor (2) in the thickness direction and is opened from the circumferential surface side toward the inside of the rotor. A plurality of teeth (21) to which rotational drive force is transmitted are formed in the circumference edge portion of the rotor (2) and a knitting yam introduction opening (12a) through which a knitting yam enters and exits from the engaging recess section (22) is formed in each of the pair of supporting plates (12).