Flat Knitting Machine Cable Pattern Stitch Interchange
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for knitting cable patterns are limited by the number of stitches in the first and second stitch rows and the structure of the base knitted fabric, often resulting in yarn breakage and inability to simultaneously knit the cable pattern and the base fabric structure, restricting versatility.
Innovation Solution
A method involving multiple processes to gradually move and knit stitches on a flat knitting machine, using two needle beds to interchange the positions of the first and second stitch rows within an intersecting region, allowing for flexible knitting without yarn breakage, and a design system to prepare a knitting program for this method.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the first stitch row and the second stitch row are interchanged all at once using racking and transfer, then the cable pattern can be formed, but yarn breakage occurs when the number of stitches in each stitch row is four or more
Solution Approach 1:
The stitch row interchange process is divided into multiple steps: first moving the first stitch row to the other-side base portion, then dividing stitches into groups, moving groups sequentially, and finally interchanging positions. This segmentation prevents yarn breakage by reducing the displacement distance at each step.
Solution Approach 2:
The first stitch row is preliminarily moved to the other-side base portion before the actual interchange operation. This preliminary action prepares the stitch rows for subsequent group-based interchange, preventing yarn tension and breakage during the main interchange process.
2Productivity
If the cable pattern knitting and the base knitted fabric structure knitting are carried out simultaneously, then production efficiency is improved, but the difference in racking makes simultaneous knitting impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The invention separates cable pattern knitting and base fabric knitting into different spatial dimensions and time sequences. The needle bed racks are used to position stitch rows for cable patterns while other needle beds continue knitting base fabric, allowing both operations to coexist without interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The knitting process is segmented into cable pattern regions and base fabric regions, with independent control of needle bed racking for each region. This allows cable patterns to be formed in specific areas while the rest of the fabric continues with its base structure.
3Device complexity
If conventional cable pattern knitting methods are used, then the process is simple, but the method cannot be applied when the number of stitches is four or more or when the base fabric has specific structures
Solution Approach 1:
The knitting method dynamically adjusts the number of racking steps and group divisions based on the number of stitches and base fabric structure. The system can adapt its complexity to match the requirements of different cable patterns, making it versatile while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a universal cable pattern knitting method that can handle various stitch counts (including four or more), different base fabric structures, and various cable pattern designs through a standardized multi-step process that adapts to different requirements.
Data Source
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AI summary
There is provided a method for knitting a cable pattern excelling in versatility. The following processes α to δ are carried out assuming a region where a first stitch row 1 and a second stitch row 2 are lined in an FB is an intersecting region. In the process α, the first stitch row 1 is gradually moved toward an other-side base portion b2, and stitch rows b1, b2, 1 other than the second stitch row 2 are knitted. In the process β, an empty needle is formed within a knitting width of the first stitch row 1. In the process γ, the stitches of the second stitch row 2 are moved to the empty needles in the intersecting region in the FB, and the stitch rows b1, b2, 2 other than the first stitch row 1 are knitted. In the process δ, the stitch rows b1, b2, 2 other than the first stitch row 1 are knitted while dissolving the coexistence of the stitches of the first stitch row 1 and the stitches of the second stitch row 2.