Feed Dog Adjustment Device for Automatic Fabric Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sewing machines require onerous manual adjustments of the feed dog inclination and height based on fabric type and stretchability, leading to potential seam puckering from sewing slippage and shrinkage, and lack the capability to adjust both inclination and height simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A feed dog adjustment device with an actuator-driven system that automatically adjusts the inclination and height of the feed dog using sensors and cam mechanisms, allowing for easy operation through a touch panel interface, which determines fabric properties and adjusts the feed dog settings accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual adjustment of feed dog inclination is implemented, then sewing quality can be optimized for different fabric types, but operator workload and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects fabric properties using sensors and adjusts the feed dog inclination without operator intervention. The microcontroller processes sensor data about fabric type and stretchability, then autonomously positions the feed dog at the appropriate angle to prevent sewing defects like puckering and slippage.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical adjustment system is replaced with an automated electromechanical system. Sensors detect fabric properties, a microcontroller processes this information, and an actuator mechanically adjusts the feed dog inclination, substituting the operator's manual mechanical adjustment with an automated control system.
2Reliability
If feed dog inclination is adjusted manually, then sewing slippage can be reduced, but adjustment time and productivity are affected
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of fabric properties before sewing begins. Sensors scan the fabric and the microcontroller pre-calculates the optimal feed dog inclination, so that when sewing starts, the feed dog is already positioned correctly, eliminating adjustment time during production.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically adjusts the feed dog inclination based on real-time fabric detection without requiring operator intervention or adjustment time, maintaining continuous productivity while ensuring optimal settings for each fabric type.
3Adaptability or versatility
If feed dog height is not adjusted according to fabric thickness, then sewing of thick fabrics becomes difficult, but adjusting height adds device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The feed dog adjustment mechanism is designed to perform multiple functions: it adjusts both the inclination angle and the height of the feed dog. A single integrated system controlled by the microcontroller manages both parameters based on fabric properties, eliminating the need for separate adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes multiple geometric parameters of the feed dog (inclination angle and height) based on detected fabric properties. The microcontroller processes sensor data and simultaneously adjusts both parameters to optimize sewing performance for different fabric types and thicknesses.
4Measurement precision
If automatic fabric detection is implemented, then precise feed dog positioning is achieved, but sensor requirements and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is designed to detect multiple fabric properties (type, stretchability, thickness) simultaneously using integrated sensors. This multi-functional detection approach achieves precise fabric characterization without requiring multiple separate sensor systems, reducing overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The microcontroller serves as an intermediary that processes sensor data and translates it into appropriate feed dog positioning commands. It bridges the gap between raw sensor measurements and the mechanical adjustment system, simplifying the overall control architecture while maintaining measurement precision.
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 system prevents seam puckering by automatically adjusting the feed dog inclination and height based on fabric type and stretchability, reducing manual effort and enhancing sewing performance across various fabric types.
Implementation Method 1
a feed bar rotatably attached to the feed rock shaft crank
Implementation Method 2
an actuator for inclination adjustment that rotates the eccentric shaft
Implementation Method 3
with an eccentric shaft provided at an eccentric position with respect to a center
Data Source
AI summary
The feed dog adjustment device, includes a feed rock shaft rotatably attached to a sewing machine frame with an eccentric shaft provided at an eccentric position with respect to a center, a feed rock shaft crank that slides about the feed rock shaft, a feed bar rotatably attached to the feed rock shaft crank, a feed dog provided on the feed bar, an actuator for inclination adjustment that rotates the eccentric shaft, and a controller that drives the actuator for inclination adjustment to adjust an inclination of the feed dog on a basis of data related to a type and stretchability of fabric.