Knitted Component Combination Feeder for Single-Point Inlaying
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional knitting machines require multiple attachment points for inlay feeders, limiting the number of standard feeders available and increasing complexity and cost, while existing inlay feeders occupy two attachment points each, reducing efficiency and versatility.
Innovation Solution
The use of a combination feeder that occupies only one attachment point, enabling simultaneous yarn knitting, tucking, floating, and inlaying, while allowing for additional standard feeders, thereby enhancing the knitting machine's efficiency and versatility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional inlay feeders are used, then inlaid strands can be incorporated into knitted components, but two attachment points are occupied by each inlay feeder, reducing the number of standard feeders available and increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the inlay feeder and standard feeder into a single integrated combination feeder that occupies only one attachment point. This merger allows the feeder to perform both inlaying operations (incorporating inlaid strands) and standard knitting operations, thereby resolving the contradiction by maintaining adaptability while reducing device complexity and attachment point occupancy.
Solution Approach 2:
The combination feeder is designed as a universal device that can perform multiple functions: it can inlay strands, knit standard yarns, tuck, and float. By making the feeder multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for separate inlay feeders and standard feeders, thereby reducing the number of attachment points required while maintaining the ability to incorporate inlaid strands into knitted components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional inlay feeders are used, then inlaid strands can be incorporated into knitted components, but the number of standard feeders is reduced, limiting production efficiency and versatility
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the inlay feeder and standard feeder into a single combination feeder, the patent ensures that one attachment point provides both inlaying and standard knitting capabilities. This allows more attachment points to remain available for additional standard feeders, thereby increasing overall productivity and feeder availability while maintaining the ability to incorporate inlaid strands.
Solution Approach 2:
The combination feeder's multi-functionality allows it to replace both an inlay feeder and a standard feeder simultaneously. This increases the number of available feeders for production, thereby improving productivity while maintaining adaptability for inlaid strand incorporation.
3Ease of operation
If multiple separate feeders are used for knitting and inlaying, then specific functions can be performed, but the knitting machine complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple specialized feeders (inlay feeder and standard feeder) into a single combination feeder that performs all functions. This reduces the total quantity of feeders and associated complexity while maintaining the specialized functions of knitting, inlaying, tucking, and floating through a unified device.
Solution Approach 2:
The combination feeder is designed as a universal device that consolidates multiple specialized functions into one unit. It can inlay strands, knit standard yarns, tuck, and float, thereby reducing the number of separate feeders required while maintaining ease of operation for all these functions through a single integrated system.
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a knitted component comprising a course with a plurality of loops. An inlaid strand formed of a second yarn may be included in the knitted component. A first portion of the course may be formed with a first yarn and a second portion of the course may be formed with the second yarn. The inlaid strand may be inlaid within the first portion of the course.