Dynamic Projector Markers for Sewing Machine Workpiece Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

The marking light of a sewing machine remains on during sewing, obstructing the view and reducing workpiece positioning and sewing efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A sewing machine that includes a projector to project different images during sewing and non-sewing periods, with the controller controlling the projection of objects based on the sewing operation, enhancing workpiece positioning efficiency by reducing unnecessary objects during sewing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the marking light remains on during sewing, then the reference position is continuously visible, but the viewing is obstructed and sewing efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereference position visibilityVSAvoidsewing efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the projected image change based on the sewing state. The controller dynamically switches the projection content: displaying the second object (reference position mark) when sewing is not in progress, and displaying only the first object (sewing position mark) when sewing is in progress. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by providing reference visibility when needed while eliminating obstruction during sewing operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If the image includes both sewing position indicator and reference position indicator during non-sewing period, then workpiece positioning efficiency is improved, but the number of projected objects increases during sewing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveworkpiece positioning efficiencyVSAvoidnumber of projected objects
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the projection content based on operational state. During non-sewing periods, both the first object (sewing position indicator) and second object (reference position indicator) are projected to maximize positioning efficiency. During sewing periods, only the first object is projected to minimize visual clutter and obstruction. This dynamic selection resolves the contradiction by adapting the number of projected objects to the current operational needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Improves workpiece positioning efficiency by projecting relevant objects only during non-sewing periods and maintains sewing efficiency by minimizing projected objects during sewing, thus optimizing the sewing process.

Implementation Method 1

The projector is configured to project a projection image to the bed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight projection: Light

Data Source

PatentUS12448711B2Sewing machine
Publication Date: 2025.10.21 BROTHER KOGYO KK
  • US12448711B2 patent drawing
  • US12448711B2 patent drawing
  • US12448711B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A sewing machine includes a bed, a feed unit, a sewing unit, a projector, and a controller. The projector is configured to project a projection image to the bed. The controller is configured to, where the feed unit and the sewing unit do not perform sewing, execute a first control in which the controller causes the projector to project a first image to the bed, the first image including a first object and a second object, the first object indicating a planned sewing position, the second object indicating a reference position to position the workpiece. The controller is configured to, where the feed unit and the sewing unit perform sewing, execute a second control in which the controller causes the projector to project a second image to the bed, the second image including the first object and not including the second object.