Interconnected Knitting Tool Stabilization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Warp knitting machines face challenges in stabilizing knitting tools under high mechanical loads and production speeds, leading to potential deformation and increased machine weight due to the use of conventional knitting tool holders and fasteners.

Innovation Solution

A knitting tool with multiple interconnected elements and a connecting piece arranged above the lower sixth of each element, providing a wide footprint for secure insertion into grooves, which stabilizes the active elements and reduces material usage while allowing for quick assembly and minimizing weight.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If knitting tools are attached directly to the bar using conventional holders and fasteners, then the knitting tools can be secured in place, but the bar weight increases which negatively impacts machine dynamics

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecuring of knitting toolsVSAvoidbar weight
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple knitting tools into a single knitting tool unit with interconnected working elements. This merging eliminates the need for separate holders and fasteners for each tool, reducing the total number of components and overall bar weight while maintaining secure attachment through a unified connection system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The connecting piece serves multiple functions: it connects adjacent working elements together, provides spacing between them, and enables the entire assembly to be secured to the bar as a single unit. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate fastening components, lowering bar weight while ensuring reliable securing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If knitting tools are subjected to high mechanical stress at high production speeds, then production output increases, but deformation of the working elements occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction outputVSAvoidworking element deformation
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

By combining multiple working elements into a single interconnected tool unit, the structure provides mutual support and stabilization. The interconnected design distributes mechanical stresses across multiple elements rather than concentrating them on individual tools, reducing deformation while maintaining high production speeds.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a connecting piece that materially connects adjacent working elements, creating a composite structure. This composite construction enhances the overall rigidity and stress resistance of the knitting tool assembly, preventing deformation under high mechanical loads while enabling high-speed operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Ease of repair

If knitting tools are replaced individually rather than in groups, then replacement flexibility increases, but the complexity of the attachment system increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereplacement flexibilityVSAvoidattachment system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple working elements into a single replaceable unit that can be attached to the bar as one assembly. This allows for individual tool replacement within the unit while maintaining a simplified attachment system, avoiding the need for complex separate fasteners for each tool.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Productivity

If multiple working elements are interconnected in a single knitting tool, then fewer assembly steps are necessary and bar loading speed increases, but the width of the knitting tool increases requiring specially designed grooves

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebar loading speedVSAvoidknitting tool width
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent arranges multiple working elements in a compact configuration within the groove, utilizing the vertical and depth dimensions rather than only horizontal spacing. This dimensional optimization allows multiple elements to be interconnected in a space-efficient manner, enabling faster bar loading while minimizing the required groove width.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP3581691B1Knitting tool and knitting machine
Publication Date: 2023.03.08 KARL MAYER STOLL R&D GMBH
  • EP3581691B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3581691B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a knitting tool (1) for use in a groove of a bar of a warp knitting machine, comprising an elongated metallic working element (2) that has a functional section (4) and a shaft section (3). According to the invention, the knitting tool (1) has several interconnected working elements (2). The invention further relates to a warp knitting machine with a bar and with working elements (2) arranged in the bar, wherein each working element (2) has a shaft section (3) and a functional section (4), and wherein the bar has grooves for receiving the working elements (2). According to the invention, several interconnected working elements (2) are arranged in each groove.