Flatbed Knitting Machine Needle Selection Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flatbed knitting machines are limited to three types of knitting operations and cannot mix different operations efficiently due to a lack of selectable positions, leading to reduced knitting efficiency as the carriage size increases and moving stroke lengthens.
Innovation Solution
A flatbed knitting machine with a needle selection mechanism that includes an entry-side and intermediate needle selection mechanism, utilizing a cam system to guide select jacks to various positions, allowing additional types of operations by switching engagement points with a pressing cam, thereby increasing the number of selectable operations without increasing carriage size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the carriage size is increased to accommodate more selectable positions for knitting operations, then the number of selectable knitting operations increases, but the moving stroke lengthens and knitting efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The needle selection mechanism is divided into an entry-side mechanism and an intermediate mechanism, with the pressing cam positioned between them. This segmentation allows the system to achieve multiple selectable positions (A-position, H-position, B-position) without requiring a proportionally larger carriage, as each segment contributes to the overall selection capability while maintaining a compact structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressing cam introduces a new dimension of control by pressing the select jack to switch engagement points between the entry-side and intermediate needle selection mechanisms. This vertical pressing action adds a third dimension to the selection process, enabling multiple operation types to be selected without increasing the horizontal carriage size or moving stroke.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the carriage moving stroke is lengthened to accommodate more selection positions, then more knitting operations can be selected, but the moving time increases and efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing cam performs preliminary action by pre-positioning the select jack at specific engagement points before the needle selection process begins. This allows the carriage to maintain its original moving stroke length while still achieving multiple operation selections, as the engagement switching is prepared in advance rather than requiring additional moving distance.
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional engagement points are added to increase operation types, then more knitting operations become possible, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing cam serves multiple functions: it switches engagement points between the entry-side and intermediate needle selection mechanisms, enables selection of multiple operation types (A, H, B positions), and coordinates the interaction between different mechanism segments. This multi-functionality allows additional engagement points to be achieved without proportionally increasing device complexity, as a single component performs multiple selection-related tasks.
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
Enables more types of knitting operations to be performed efficiently by switching engagement points, improving knitting efficiency and allowing mixed operations without increasing the carriage's size or moving time.
Implementation Method 1
a cam system mounted on the carriage and configured to make the knitting needles perform knitting operation by driving the knitting needles in a direction of advancing to and retracting from the needle bed gap
Implementation Method 2
a pressing cam configured to press the select jack or the selector in a direction to sink into the needle groove, wherein the engagement of the select jack with the selector is switched by the press applied by the pressing cam
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~3(b)
AI summary
An object is to provide a flatbed knitting machine capable of performing a large number of types of selectable knitting operation and performing knitting operation in a mixed manner with improved knitting efficiency. An entry-side needle selection mechanism 11 allows selection of a knitting needle 3 subjected to the action from the first by a cam system 2 so that a selection butt 6b of a select jack 6 is guided to one of an A-position 6bA, an H-position 6bH and a B-position 6bB, by acting on and guiding a selector 7 of the knitting needle 3 to one of paths 7A, 7H, 7B. An intermediate needle selection mechanism 12 allows selection to guide the select jack 6 of the knitting needle 3 acted on by the cam system 2 to an F-position 6bF newly arranged closer to a needle bed gap than a A-position. The selection of the F-position allows the second stitch or the split knit as additional knitting operation.