Individually Activated Embroidery Thread Cutting Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thread cutting and clamping devices in large embroidery machines cut all threads simultaneously, leading to vibrations, increased wear, and thread wastage, as they are not selectively activatable and are designed to cut threads far from the needle plate, causing inefficiencies and downtime.
Innovation Solution
Individually activatable and deactivatable thread cutting and clamping elements on a pivoted carrier profile that can be swiveled to the needle hole plate only when needed, allowing for precise cutting and clamping close to the needle plate, reducing wear and enabling easy replacement of defective knives.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If all threads are cut simultaneously by the thread cutting device, then all needle threads can be cut at once, but this causes vibrations, noise, and increased wear on the embroidery machine due to the large mass being accelerated and decelerated 600-700 times per minute
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the thread cutting function into multiple independent cutting elements (first cutting element, second cutting element, etc.) that can be selectively activated. Instead of moving a single large mass to cut all threads simultaneously, the system segments the cutting action into smaller, independent operations that can be performed only where needed, reducing the mass that must be accelerated and decelerated.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic activation system where cutting elements can be individually activated or deactivated based on the embroidery pattern requirements. The support profile can be selectively pivoted to bring only the necessary cutting elements into the cutting position, rather than maintaining a static position where all cutting elements are always active. This dynamic approach reduces unnecessary movements and associated wear.
2Ease of operation
If the thread cutting device is moved along with the presser feet with every stitch, then all thread-cutting and clamping devices are positioned correctly, but this requires a large mass to be accelerated and decelerated 600-700 times per minute
Solution Approach 1:
The support profile is divided into multiple sections, each carrying specific cutting elements. Only the sections containing active cutting elements are pivoted into position, rather than moving the entire support profile with all cutting elements. This segmentation reduces the mass that must be accelerated and decelerated with each stitch.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic activation of cutting elements based on the embroidery pattern. Cutting elements are activated only during the specific stitches where thread cutting is required, rather than being continuously positioned and moved with every stitch. This periodic action reduces the frequency of mass acceleration and deceleration events.
3Ease of manufacture
If threads are cut relatively far from the needle plate, then the cutting device has sufficient clearance, but this results in higher thread consumption and the need to remove thread ends from the fabric later
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single vertical dimension of cutting (above the fabric) to a multi-dimensional approach where the support profile can be pivoted to bring cutting elements into position close to the needle plate. By utilizing the horizontal pivoting dimension, the system achieves sufficient clearance for cutting operation while positioning the cutting point much closer to the fabric, thereby reducing thread consumption.
4Ease of operation
If clamped threads are released by moving the knife and gripper together when not needed, then the device is simple to operate, but this causes unnecessary wear and requires frequent rethreading
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control over the positioning and activation of cutting elements. The support profile can be selectively pivoted to bring cutting elements into position only when thread cutting is required. Additionally, individual cutting elements can be activated or deactivated based on pattern requirements. This dynamic approach prevents unnecessary contact between cutting elements and threads, reducing wear and eliminating the need for frequent rethreading while maintaining simple operation through automated control.
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
Minimizes wear and tear, reduces downtime, and simplifies thread management by allowing selective thread cutting and clamping, reducing thread consumption and the need for frequent threading, while enabling easy replacement of cutting elements.
Implementation Method 1
a support profile (45) which is pivotable about a pivot axis (C) between a resting position and a working position
Implementation Method 2
The drive profile (49) can be moved up and down in the vertical direction (arrows f) by push rods (51)
Implementation Method 3
guided in slots (46) in the support plate (45) by guide pins
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a
AI summary
The invention relates to an embroidery machine, comprising a thread cutting and thread clamping device (1) for cutting and clamping the needle threads. An autonomous thread cutting and thread clamping element (55) is arranged on a carrier plate (45) for each embroidery position and can be driven. Each individual thread cutting and thread clamping element (55) can individually be switched on or off by means of a drive.