Knitting Machine Needle Unit Actuation via Rotating Connector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional knitting machines face difficulties in freely adjusting the forward and backward movement of the needle unit due to the need for the carriage to reciprocate between both ends of the needle unit, and the varying moving distance is dependent on the track formed in the carriage.
Innovation Solution
A flat-knitting machine with a new actuating system featuring a needle unit with a needle hook and protrusion, a connector with a screw thread, and an actuator that rotates the connector to move the needle unit forward or backward, allowing for adjustable movement by selectively transmitting or releasing actuation force, with fewer connectors than needle units and an encoder to control the number of rotations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a carriage reciprocates between both ends of the needle unit to actuate the knitting machine, then the knitting operation can be performed, but the forward and backward moving distance of the needle unit cannot be freely adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical carriage reciprocation system with an electromagnetic actuator that directly drives the needle unit through magnetic force. This substitution eliminates the need for physical tracks and carriage mechanisms, enabling free adjustment of movement distance while simplifying the overall actuating system structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dynamically adjustable actuating system where the electromagnetic actuator can control the needle unit's movement distance flexibly. The system transitions from a fixed mechanical track-based approach to a dynamic, programmable electromagnetic drive that adapts movement parameters as needed.
2Ease of operation
If the track is formed in the carriage to guide needle unit movement, then the knitting operation is enabled, but the moving distance varies and cannot be freely adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical track guidance system with an electromagnetic field-based positioning system. The electromagnetic actuator provides both guidance and propulsion, eliminating physical constraints while enabling precise, programmable position control that improves both ease of operation and positioning precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameter from fixed mechanical track geometry to variable electromagnetic field parameters. By adjusting current, voltage, or pulse duration of the electromagnetic actuator, the needle unit's movement distance and position can be precisely controlled without physical reconfiguration.
3Productivity
If a conventional carriage system is used to move the needle unit, then knitting can be performed, but the structure becomes complex with fixed movement paths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex mechanical carriage and track structure with a compact electromagnetic actuator system. This substitution maintains full knitting production capability while dramatically reducing structural complexity, as the electromagnetic field provides both the guidance and driving functions previously requiring separate mechanical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnetic actuator serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the driving force for needle unit movement, guides the movement path through field configuration, and enables programmable position control. This multi-functionality consolidates what previously required separate mechanical carriage, track, and control systems into a single integrated component.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enables a clothing-manufacturing knitting machine with freely adjustable forward and backward movement of the needle unit, enhancing the flexibility and precision in knitting fabric production.
Implementation Method 1
an actuator configured to actuate the connector to rotate
Implementation Method 2
a connector comprising a screw thread formed to mesh with the protrusion of the needle unit
Data Source
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AI summary
The disclosure relates to a clothing-manufacturing 3D printer, and the clothing-manufacturing 3D printer according to the disclosure includes a needle unit including a needle hook formed in an end portion and a protrusion formed in a middle region; a connector including a screw thread formed to mesh with the protrusion of the needle unit; and an actuator configured to actuate the connector to rotate, wherein the needle unit meshing with the screw thread is moved forward or backward as the connector is rotated by the actuator. Accordingly, there is provided a clothing-manufacturing 3D printer with a new actuating system.