Flat Bed Knitting Machine Border Elasticity
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Solution Overview
Problem
In garment production on flat knitting machines, the elasticity of knitted ends is typically lower than the rest of the fabric, causing issues like difficulty in widening collars when putting on a garment, especially around the neck area.
Innovation Solution
The method involves knitting the knitted ends and pieces using the same needle bed, with the ends being knitted in close proximity to minimize transfer times, and optionally using ribbed or tubular knitting to enhance elasticity, and adjusting the number of stitches in the finishing rows to match or exceed those of the knitted piece, ensuring consistent elasticity throughout.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the knitted ends are bound off to create a run-proof finish, then the structural integrity of the garment is improved, but the elasticity of the knitted ends deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the knitting parameters by using a different knitting pattern (ribbed knit instead of plain knit) and different stitch carriage settings for the knitted ends compared to the main garment body. This allows the ends to maintain high elasticity through the ribbed structure while still providing a secure, run-proof finish through the linking process.
Solution Approach 2:
The knitted ends are knitted in advance on the same needle bed before being linked to the main garment. This preliminary knitting allows the ends to be created with optimal elasticity characteristics using ribbed patterns, and then they are subsequently linked to the main piece, ensuring both elasticity and structural integrity are achieved.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the knitted ends are knitted on a separate needle bed, then the production process becomes more flexible, but the transfer time between needle beds increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the knitting of the ends and the main garment piece by using the same needle bed for both operations. The needle bed is cleared of the ends after knitting, and then the main piece is knitted on the same bed. This eliminates the need for transfer between needle beds, reducing transfer time while maintaining production flexibility.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the number of stitches in the finishing row is reduced, then the structural stability of the garment is improved, but the elasticity of the knitted ends deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses ribbed knitting patterns with specific stitch carriage settings that create a different structural configuration compared to plain knitting. This allows the knitted ends to maintain elasticity even with reduced stitch counts, as the ribbed structure inherently provides stretch and recovery properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure by linking the knitted ends (with their own stitch pattern and structure) to the main garment piece. This composite construction allows each part to have optimized properties - the ends maintain elasticity through their knitting structure while being securely attached to the stable main piece.
Data Source
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AI summary
Starting at the initial knitted row (151) of the border (105), up to the last of the border rows (152), the border is knitted separately from the knitted piece, but on the same flat bed knitting machine. Stitches of the last border row (152) are connected with stitches in the last row of knitting (125, 125') in the piece, using a looping technique. The knitted piece and the border (of which there may be more than one) are knitted on the same needle bed, but in different parts of it. The border is ribbed. The border is knitted after completing the last row of the knitted piece. The last row of the knitted piece and the last knitted row of the border are formed using a different number of knitting needles. The knitted piece and the border are produced as knitted hose. The border is alternatively produced as a flat knit, and is connected to a flat section of the knitted piece. The knitted piece is formed by using each second needle. It can be produced as a tubular knitted hose, the border being produced as a flat knit. The knitted piece is formed by immediately-adjacent needles. An independent claim IS INCLUDED FOR the corresponding knitted piece, especially an item of knitted clothing.