Cylinder Dial Knitting Machine Multi-Yarn Feeder

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current circular knitting machines using yarn-dyed jacquard for double-knitted fabrics result in fabrics that do not meet commercial requirements in terms of weight and thickness, as they require multiple feeders for multi-color designs, leading to undesirable fabric properties.

Innovation Solution

A cylinder and dial knitting machine with at least two feeders, upper and lower needle cams, and a selector that interlaces yarns at a narrowing point within the knitting gap, allowing lower needles to control hooking points for standard or interchanged looping, enabling multi-color jacquard knitting with lighter and thinner fabric production.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple feeders are used for multi-color yarn-dyed jacquard, then color variety is improved, but fabric weight and thickness increase excessively

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecolor varietyVSAvoidfabric weight and thickness
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple yarn feeding functions into a single feeder by enabling it to supply multiple yarns simultaneously. The feeder is configured with multiple yarn guides and tensioning mechanisms that allow two or more yarns of different colors to be fed through one feeding point, eliminating the need for multiple separate feeders and reducing fabric bulk while maintaining multi-color capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single feeder is designed with multi-functional capabilities to handle multiple yarns of different colors, materials, and tensions. It includes adjustable yarn guides, independent tensioning mechanisms for each yarn, and a unified feeding structure that can accommodate various yarn types, making one feeder perform the work of multiple feeders

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

2Ease of operation

If one-color yarn is fed through one feeder, then feeding simplicity is maintained, but multi-color jacquard requires multiple feeders increasing complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefeeding simplicityVSAvoidnumber of feeders
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple yarn feeding functions are combined into a single integrated feeder structure. The feeder includes multiple yarn guides, tensioning devices, and guiding mechanisms that work together in one unit, allowing multiple yarns to be fed simultaneously through a single feeding point, thus reducing the number of feeders from multiple to one while maintaining operational simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The feeder is designed as a universal multi-functional device that can handle multiple yarns of different colors and properties through a single structure. It includes adjustable components for each yarn type, independent tension control, and a unified feeding mechanism that simplifies operation while providing multi-color capability

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

Data Source

PatentEP4438781A1Cylinder and dial circular knitting machine
Publication Date: 2024.10.02 PAI LUNG MACHINERY MILL CO LTD
  • EP4438781A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4438781A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4438781A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A cylinder and dial knitting machine (20) includes a knitting gap (21), at least one feeder (22) for feeding two yarns (30, 31) into the knitting gap (21), a plurality of upper needles (24), a plurality of lower needles (26), and a selector (27). The two yarns (30, 31) are interlaced at a point (32) in the knitting gap (21). Each of the lower needles (26) is controlled by the selector (27) to have a hooking point (261 or 261). The knitting machine provides two hooking points (261, 262) at different angular positions along the knitting gap (21), and the two hooking points (261, 262) are spaced different distances from the yarn interlacing point (32). Each of the lower needles (26) hooks the two yarns (30, 31) at one of the two hooking points (261, 262). Each of the plurality of lower needles (26) thereby determines whether the looping process is standard plating or interchanged plating based on the relative positions of the two yarns (30, 31).