Combination Feeder for Knitting Machines Reduces Attachment Points
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional inlay feeders for V-bed flat knitting machines occupy two attachment points, limiting the number of standard feeders that can be used and increasing the complexity of the knitting process.
Innovation Solution
A combination feeder for knitting machines that includes a carrier, a feeder arm with a dispensing area, and actuation members, allowing the feeder arm to move between retracted and extended positions, thereby occupying only one attachment point and enabling versatile yarn supply for knitting, tucking, floating, and inlaying.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional inlay feeder is used to inlay yarn, then the ability to inlay yarn is achieved, but two attachment points are occupied limiting the number of standard feeders
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of a standard feeder and an inlay feeder into a single unified device. The feeder includes both a standard yarn supply mechanism and an inlay yarn supply mechanism integrated within one attachment point, allowing it to perform both standard knitting and inlay operations simultaneously or alternately, thereby occupying only one attachment point while providing capabilities previously requiring two separate feeders.
Solution Approach 2:
The feeder is designed as a multi-functional device that can perform multiple operations: supplying yarn for standard knitting, supplying inlay yarn for inlay patterns, and switching between these functions as needed. This universal design allows a single feeder to replace what previously required two specialized feeders, increasing the number of available attachment points on the knitting machine.
2Adaptability or versatility
If two separate feeders are used for standard and inlay yarn supply, then both functions are available, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the structural components of two separate feeders into a single integrated unit. The feeder includes a common carrier, actuation mechanism, and control system that serves both the standard yarn supply function and the inlay yarn supply function, reducing the total number of components while maintaining full functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The feeder employs universal components that can serve multiple purposes. For example, the carrier and actuation mechanism are designed to handle both standard yarn and inlay yarn, and the feeder arm can perform both standard knitting operations and inlay operations, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining versatility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If more attachment points are occupied by inlay feeders, then inlay capability is maintained, but the number of standard feeders decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the inlay function into the standard feeder design, the patent allows the same attachment point to serve dual purposes. This enables more feeders to be installed on the knitting machine since each feeder can now handle both standard and inlay operations, thereby increasing overall productivity without sacrificing inlay capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A feeder includes a carrier and a feeder arm that moves between retracted and extended positions. The feeder also includes a first actuation member that is coupled to the carrier and that is configured to move relative to the carrier in a first direction. The first actuation member has a first aperture at least partially defined by a first edge. Additionally, the feeder includes a second actuation member that is coupled to the carrier and that is configured to move relative to the carrier in a second direction. The second actuation member has a second aperture at least partially defined by a second edge. A projection of the feeder arm is received within both the first and second apertures. Movement of the first actuation member in the first direction causes the first edge to engage the projection for movement of the feeder arm between the retracted position and the extended position. Also, movement of the second actuation member in the second direction causes the second edge to engage the projection for movement of the feeder arm between the retracted position and the extended position.