Knitted Fabric Binding Off Using Separate Weft Thread
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Solution Overview
Problem
The classic method of binding off knitted fabric results in a relatively inelastic edge, making it difficult to slip on garments due to the lack of elasticity in the bound edge, especially with technical knitted fabrics.
Innovation Solution
A method using a separate weft thread for binding off, which prevents contraction and loss of elasticity, allowing for the creation of new knitted properties at the edge, such as elasticity, by using threads like elastic threads, cords, or ribbons, and utilizing a thread guide for efficient feeding and transfer of the weft thread.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the classic method of binding off stitches is used (transferring each stitch to the next needle and knitting), then the binding off process is simple and straightforward, but the resulting bound-off edge becomes relatively inelastic and contracts, making garments difficult to pull on
Solution Approach 1:
A separate weft thread is introduced as an intermediary element to bind off the stitches. This weft thread runs horizontally through the bound-off edge, acting as a mediator that connects and secures the stitches without requiring them to be knitted through each other. The weft thread prevents the stitches from contracting and maintains elasticity, while still providing a secure bound-off edge. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining manufacturing simplicity while dramatically improving wearability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the fundamental parameter of how binding off is achieved - instead of using vertical stitch transfer and knitting operations, it uses horizontal weft thread insertion. This parameter change transforms the binding off process from a mechanical stitch manipulation process to a thread insertion process, which prevents stitch contraction and maintains the elastic properties of the knitted fabric, thereby improving garment wearability without complicating the manufacturing process.
2Ease of operation
If additional threads or complex stitch formation methods are used to create elastic bound-off edges, then garment wearability improves, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The binding off function is segmented into two independent components: the existing knit stitches (which maintain the fabric's elastic properties) and the separate weft thread (which provides the binding off function). By separating these functions, the invention avoids the need for complex stitch formation operations while still achieving an elastic, wearable bound-off edge. The weft thread simply needs to be inserted and secured, a much simpler operation than traditional binding off methods.
3Ease of operation
If the same yarn used for the knitted fabric is used for binding off, then material consistency is maintained, but the bound-off row contracts and loses elasticity
Solution Approach 1:
The weft thread acts as an intermediary that replaces the traditional method of using the same yarn for binding off. Instead of knitting the bound-off edge with the fabric's own yarn (which causes contraction), the weft thread is inserted horizontally through the stitches. This intermediary thread maintains material consistency in appearance while preventing the stitch contraction that would otherwise occur, thereby preserving the elastic properties of the bound-off edge.
Data Source
Figure 1~4
AI summary
A method for binding off a knitted fabric on a flat knitting machine with at least one needle bed and a stitch transfer device comprising the steps: a) after knitting the last row of stitches, inserting a weft thread (10) into the needle (E) with the first stitch to be bound off and wrapping the needle (E); b) transferring the stitch formed with the weft thread (10) onto the needle (F) with the next stitch to be bound off and wrapping the needle (F); c) repeating step b) until the last stitch (M) to be bound off is reached.