Flat Knitting Machine Cam System Covering Function
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cam systems for flat knitting machines are limited in their ability to perform multiple functions, including covering, as they are not effectively designed to prevent the pulling of previously formed rows of stitches when needles are driven out, and require separate mechanisms for different knitting operations.
Innovation Solution
A cam system with a first cam that incorporates a lock part with contact surfaces at different heights, allowing for the selection of various lock functions, including covering, by enabling specific needles to be driven out to interact with stitch-forming needles, thus providing a supporting or stripping effect, and allowing for adjustable needle positions to perform multiple functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate lock mechanism is provided for covering function, then the covering function can be performed effectively, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the covering function with the existing lock mechanism by providing a lock part with contact surfaces at different heights. The same lock mechanism that performs stitch forming operations is modified to also perform covering by selecting different contact surface heights, thereby merging two functions into one mechanism and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock mechanism is designed with universal capability to perform multiple functions including stitch forming, catching, transferring, taking over stitches, and covering. The lock part includes contact surfaces at different heights that enable the same mechanism to adapt to different operational requirements, making the lock mechanism multi-functional rather than requiring separate dedicated mechanisms for each function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If contact surfaces at different heights are provided in the lock part, then multiple lock functions can be performed, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lock part is designed with different contact surfaces at different heights, where each contact surface is optimized for a specific function. The local geometry of each contact surface is tailored to its particular purpose (covering, stitch forming, catching, etc.), allowing the same component to provide function-specific quality at each contact point while maintaining overall manufacturing feasibility.
Data Source
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AI summary
In a lock system (1, 1') for a flat knitting machine with a first lock (VS, VS') which has lock parts for realizing at least two lock functions of the lock functions "do not knit", "form stitch", "catch", "transfer of stitches", "acceptance of stitches", the first lock (VS, VS') has at least one lock part for realizing a covering function, which is designed as a pusher part (30, 30', 70) which has contact surfaces (31, 31', 32, 32', 71, 72, 73) at at least two different heights for interaction with a foot (41) of a slider (40) or a needle (20).