Automated Loop Length Routine Setting in Flatbed Knitting Machines

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing loop length routine setting in flatbed knitting machines is cumbersome and time-consuming, requiring manual adjustment of stitch cams before knitting, which hinders efficient production of uniform knitted fabrics.

Innovation Solution

A device and program that analyze knitting data to automatically set loop length routines and stitch cam control schemes based on knitting structure and width, allowing for simultaneous adjustment of cam systems and reducing the number of required loop length routines, thereby simplifying the setting process and ensuring accurate stitch cam adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If manual adjustment of stitch cams is performed for loop length routine setting, then accurate stitch cam adjustment can be achieved, but the setting process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestitch cam adjustment accuracyVSAvoidsetting time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary analysis of knitting data to pre-determine the optimal loop length routine settings before actual knitting begins. By analyzing the knitting pattern, stitch type, and fabric requirements in advance, the system automatically configures stitch cam positions and loop length parameters, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual adjustments while maintaining precise stitch cam settings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Manufacturing precision

If multiple separate loop length routines are executed for different cam systems, then each cam system can be optimized independently, but the complexity of the setting process increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecam system optimizationVSAvoidsetting process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges the analysis and setting processes for multiple cam systems into a unified automated routine. By integrating the knitting data analysis with simultaneous determination of loop length parameters for all cam systems, the system eliminates the need for multiple separate adjustment procedures. The unified approach maintains independent optimization of each cam system while significantly reducing the overall complexity of the setting process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If automated loop length routine setting is implemented, then the setting process is simplified, but the accuracy of stitch cam adjustment may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesetting process simplicityVSAvoidstitch cam adjustment accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that analyze actual knitting results and automatically adjust loop length routine parameters to achieve target stitch specifications. By continuously monitoring yarn consumption, stitch dimensions, and fabric quality metrics, the automated system refines stitch cam positions and loop length settings to match desired outcomes, thereby maintaining high precision while preserving the simplicity of automated operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP2280104B1Device and program for loop length routine setting in a flatbed knitting machine
Publication Date: 2016.05.25 SHIMA SEIKI MFG LTD
  • EP2280104B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2280104B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2280104B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A device for loop routine setting (2) has a stitch control system setting (23) for analyzing knitting data for knitting a knitted fabric in a flatbed knitting machine (4), and for setting a control scheme for a carriage (42) stitch cam for each area, on the basis of the knitting width and the knitting structure in each area of the knitted fabric. The setting device further has a loop routine settings (24) for setting a loop length routine scheme on the basis of the control scheme for each area, and on the basis of the target size of stitches and the knitting structure in the area. Whereby loop routine setting can be automated.