Electromagnetic Yarn Finger Actuation for Knitting Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current yarn feeding devices for circular knitting machines face challenges with mechanical actuators being complex to manufacture and assemble, while pneumatic actuators require a compressed air network, and electromagnetic actuators suffer from cable fatigue due to continuous deformations.
Innovation Solution
An electromagnetically actuated yarn feeding device with a magnet and electric coils allows for precise rotation of yarn fingers, using a magnetic field to actuate the yarn fingers from inactive to active positions, and includes shielding elements to prevent actuation interference and reduce space occupation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If mechanical actuators (lever systems or cams) are used to actuate yarn fingers, then high precision in operation is achieved, but the device becomes complicated to manufacture and assemble
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical actuators (lever systems or cams) with electromagnetic actuators consisting of electric coils and magnets. The coils generate magnetic fields that interact with magnets fixed to the yarn finger, producing rotational motion without mechanical linkages. This substitution maintains precise positioning capability while dramatically simplifying the mechanical structure and reducing assembly complexity.
2Ease of manufacture
If pneumatic actuators are used to actuate yarn fingers, then very simple assembly is achieved, but constant availability of compressed air distribution network is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces pneumatic actuators with electromagnetic actuators. The electric coils and magnets create direct magnetic attraction/repulsion forces to rotate the yarn finger, eliminating the need for compressed air infrastructure. This maintains the simplicity of assembly while removing the dependency on external air distribution networks, making the system more adaptable to different installation environments.
3Ease of operation
If electromagnetic actuators with coils wound on yarn fingers are used, then practicality and precision in operation are improved, but cable fatigue failure occurs due to continuous deformations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional electromagnetic actuator configuration by fixing the magnets to the moving yarn finger and placing the electric coils on the stationary supporting structure. This reversal means the coils remain stationary and do not undergo deformation during yarn finger rotation, eliminating cable fatigue while maintaining the magnetic interaction necessary for actuation. The practicality and precision are preserved through the unchanged magnetic field interaction mechanism.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple yarn fingers are arranged to provide different yarns at the same feed, then versatility in producing different knitting types is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by enabling each yarn finger to perform multiple functions through rotational positioning. Each yarn finger can be rotated to different angular positions to deliver yarns at different heights, allowing a single yarn finger to serve multiple knitting functions (plain knitting, plated knitting, etc.). This reduces the total number of yarn fingers needed compared to having separate fixed-position fingers for each function, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining versatility.
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 maintains precision and repeatability, enhances durability and reliability, reduces maintenance needs, and allows for electronic management and control, while avoiding cable fatigue and simplifying assembly.
Implementation Method 1
at least one electric coil which is laterally adjacent to said at least one yarn finger and is connected to said supporting structure, said at least one electric coil being able to be supplied electrically to generate a magnetic field that interacts with said at least one magnet
Implementation Method 2
generate a magnetic field that interacts with said at least one magnet to actuate the rotation of said at least one yarn finger about the corresponding rotation axis
Data Source
AI summary
A device for feeding yarn or yarns for knitting machines for hosiery or the like, comprising a supporting structure which supports at least one yarn finger having an elongated shape and being pivoted, at an intermediate portion thereof, to the supporting structure about a corresponding rotation axis and having, proximate to a longitudinal end thereof, a passage for the yarn or yarns to be fed to the needles of the knitting forming machine, the device for feeding yarn or yarns comprising an electromagnetically actuated device which comprises at least one magnet which is fixed to the at least one yarn finger and at least one electric coil which is laterally adjacent to the at least one yarn finger and is connected to the supporting structure.