Embroidery Unit Locking Mechanism Resists Moment Loads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing embroidery unit attaching and detaching devices fail to provide sufficient resistance against moment loads when the embroidery unit is twisted relative to the sewing machine, risking damage to connectors during detachment.
Innovation Solution
An embroidery unit attaching and detaching device with a lock mechanism and a support mechanism that includes recessed and protruded portions arranged in a single plane, preventing vertical motion and providing stability in roll, pitch, and yaw directions, thus securing the embroidery unit to the sewing machine and distributing loads effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a lock mechanism is used to prevent the embroidery unit from falling, then the embroidery unit can be secured during lifting, but the lock can only support by points or lines and cannot provide enough resistance against moment loads when the embroidery unit is twisted
Solution Approach 1:
The support mechanism is divided into multiple engagement portions (three or more portions) arranged in a single plane, where each portion consists of a recessed portion and a protruded portion that engage with each other. This segmentation distributes the moment load across multiple points rather than concentrating it at a single lock point, providing sufficient resistance against twisting forces while maintaining the prevention of the embroidery unit falling.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the embroidery unit is attached to the sewing machine, then the embroidery function can be performed, but the connector may be damaged when moment load is applied during attachment/detachment operations
Solution Approach 1:
The recessed portion and protruded portion are configured to engage with each other before the lock mechanism is fully activated during the attachment process. This preliminary engagement establishes a stable mechanical connection that prevents excessive movement and moment loads on the connector during subsequent attachment and detachment operations, thereby protecting the connector from damage while maintaining embroidery function availability.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided with an embroidery unit attaching and detaching device capable of preventing an embroidery unit from falling from a sewing machine and capable of preventing the damage of a portion connecting the embroidery unit and the sewing machine even when the moment load of twisting the embroidery unit with respect to the sewing machine is applied. An embroidery unit attaching and detaching device includes: a lock mechanism configured to operate in association with a motion of an embroidery unit in an attaching direction to restrict the motion of the embroidery unit in a detaching direction with respect to a sewing machine; and support mechanisms for restricting a relative motion of the sewing machine and the embroidery unit in a vertical direction where recessed portions and protruded portions are engaged with each other.