Flat Knitting Design Device Compressed Symbol Conversion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drafting devices for flat knitting machines are complex and difficult for less experienced technicians to use, as they require advanced skills to optimize knitting time by managing stitch rows and transfers with offset needle beds, especially when frequent changes occur without knitting.
Innovation Solution
A design device with a memory device for recording data, a display device for showing compressed and non-compressed symbolic representations, and an input device for converting between them, allowing users to define and apply conversion rules globally or per row, enabling easier pattern design and optimization without needing to switch between representations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If compressed symbol representation is used for pattern design, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to loss of transfer row information
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary conversion of compressed symbol representation to non-compressed representation before generating the knitting program. This preliminary action ensures that all necessary transfer row information is recovered and processed before manufacturing, thus maintaining manufacturing precision while allowing ease of operation during design.
Solution Approach 2:
The non-compressed symbol representation acts as an intermediary between the compressed design input and the final knitting program output. It serves as a bridge that preserves complete manufacturing information while allowing the user to work with the simpler compressed representation during design.
2Manufacturing precision
If non-compressed symbol representation is used for pattern design, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to simultaneous management of stitch rows and transfer rows
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the display and editing capabilities for both compressed and non-compressed representations into a single integrated interface. Users can switch between representations without changing tools or workflows, reducing the perceived complexity despite the sophisticated processing occurring in the background.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically performs the conversion between compressed and non-compressed representations and generates the knitting program without requiring manual intervention. This self-service capability handles the complexity internally while presenting a simplified interface to the user.
3Productivity
If frequent needle bed offsets are applied to optimize knitting time, then productivity is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in tracking stitch positions
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calculation and visualization of stitch positions after needle bed offsets during the design phase. By showing users exactly where stitches will end up after offsets, they can design optimized patterns without having to mentally track complex position changes, thus maintaining ease of operation while achieving productivity improvements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides visual feedback showing the effect of needle bed offsets on stitch positions in the non-compressed representation. This immediate feedback allows users to understand and control the impact of offsets on their pattern design, making it easier to apply productivity-optimizing offsets without losing track of stitch positions.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~3
Figure 4
AI summary
The design device has a storage unit for receiving knitted product (100). A display unit is provided for displaying compressed symbol representation (10) and a non-compressed symbol representation of the knitted product. An input device is provided for modifying compressed symbol representation into non-compressed symbol representation using a conversion law. The non-compressed symbol display is updated automatically whenever the compressed representation symbol is changed using input device.