Knitting System Guide Cam for Warp Thread Insertion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing flat knitting machines cannot perform normal knitting functions while advancing needles for warp thread insertion, as the special lock mechanism used to position needles for this purpose disables regular knitting operations.

Innovation Solution

A knitting system with a guide cam arranged between two knitting cams, allowing for the advancement of needles between the cams, and switchable guide cam sections that create additional lock tracks to maintain needles in an advanced position for warp thread applications, enabling simultaneous execution of knitting operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a special locking mechanism is used to move selected needles into an advanced position for warp thread insertion, then needle positioning for warp thread application is improved, but normal knitting functions are disabled

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewarp thread insertion capabilityVSAvoidnormal knitting function
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The knitting lock is divided into multiple independent locking bolts (first locking bolt and second locking bolt) that can operate independently. The first locking bolt handles needle positioning for warp thread insertion, while the second locking bolt maintains normal knitting lock function, allowing both operations to coexist without interference

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The locking mechanism uses dynamic, switchable guide lock sections that can be activated or deactivated based on the operational mode. The guide lock sections can be shifted between active and inactive positions, allowing the system to adapt between warp thread insertion mode and normal knitting mode

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If inserts are moved into a forward position between two knitting locks for warp thread application, then warp thread insertion is enabled, but additional locking tracks are needed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewarp thread applicationVSAvoidlocking mechanism structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The guide lock sections are designed to be dynamically reconfigurable, switching between active and inactive states. When inactive, guide lock sections can be shifted to create additional locking tracks by moving under or over other lock components, providing flexible needle positioning paths without permanent structural additions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The existing guide lock components serve multiple functions: they guide needles during normal knitting operations and can be reconfigured to create additional locking tracks for warp thread insertion. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated structures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If multiple thread guides are provided for simultaneous thread insertion, then thread insertion capability is improved, but thread damage risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethread insertion efficiencyVSAvoidthread integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Thread guides are positioned and configured in advance to establish safe passage paths for threads before insertion occurs. The independent positioning of thread guides allows optimization of their trajectories to avoid interference with each other and with needle operations, preventing thread damage before it can occur

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4019680B1Knitting system for a flat knitting machine, flat knitting machine compising the same and method for operating said knitting machine
Publication Date: 2023.06.07 KARL MAYER STOLL R&D GMBH
  • EP4019680B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4019680B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4019680B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a knitting system (1) for a flat knitting machine or warp knitting machine with a first and a second knitting lock (100, 101) wherein in a first knitting lock (100, 101) extruded insert parts between the knitting locks (100, 101) retain their positions extending towards the end of the lock, and wherein pusher parts (2, 5, 21, 51) are provided which ensure that the insert parts remain in their extruded position.