End Yarn Catcher-Cutter Layout for Close Fabric Trimming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing end yarn processing devices struggle to efficiently cut end yarns near the knitted fabric in flat knitting machines, particularly those extending low near the needle bed gap, leading to complications in post-processing and difficulty in managing hanging yarns.
Innovation Solution
The end yarn processing device includes a catcher and a cutter configured to move relative to the needle bed gap, allowing the end yarn to be cut closer to the knitted fabric by bridging it in an up-and-down direction, with the catcher holding the yarn above the needle bed gap and the cutter cutting it at a precise location.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the cutter device cuts the end yarn away from the knitted fabric, then the cutting operation can be performed, but the hanging yarn process becomes complicated and post-processing is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces vertical movement capability in addition to horizontal cutting motion. The cutter device can move vertically to bridge the end yarn over the needle bed gap, enabling the cutter to reach and cut the yarn close to the knitted fabric surface, thereby eliminating complicated hanging yarn processes
Solution Approach 2:
The holding device performs preliminary action by holding the end yarn in advance before cutting. This ensures the yarn is positioned correctly and tensioned, allowing the cutter to make a clean cut close to the knitted fabric without complications
2Productivity
If the end yarn extends low near the needle bed gap, then the yarn feeding is maintained, but it becomes difficult to cut the end yarn near the knitted fabric
Solution Approach 1:
The cutter device is equipped with vertical movement capability, allowing it to bridge the end yarn in the vertical direction over the needle bed gap. This enables the cutter to reach the end yarn even when it extends low near the needle bed gap and cut it at the desired position close to the knitted fabric
Solution Approach 2:
The holding device acts as an intermediary by grasping and elevating the end yarn above the needle bed gap before cutting. This intermediary action positions the yarn correctly for cutting while maintaining yarn feeding during the process
3Ease of operation
If the cutter device is positioned to cut end yarn, then cutting can be performed, but it may interfere with knitting operations
Solution Approach 1:
The cutter device is designed with movable components that can dynamically adjust their position. The cutter can move vertically to bridge the yarn and horizontally to position itself for cutting, while avoiding interference with the knitting needles and ongoing knitting operations through coordinated movement timing
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
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AI summary
An end yarn processing device capable of cutting an end yarn near a knitted fabric is provided. An end yarn processing device (1) movable along a longitudinal direction of a needle bed (110) of a flat knitting machine (100) includes a catcher (30) that holds an end yarn extending from a gripper device (150) provided at least at an end of the needle bed (110) to a knitting start stitch of a knitted fabric (K) above a needle bed gap (S) of the needle bed (110), and a cutter (60) that cuts the end yarn held above the needle bed gap (S) between a position adjacent to the catcher (30) and the stitch.