Monolithic Support for Circular Knitting Machine Controls
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing circular knitting machines face challenges with complex and time-consuming mounting processes for needle and selector control devices, large overall dimensions, and difficulty in integrating multiple control devices, leading to potential errors and maintenance complexities.
Innovation Solution
A support and control device with a monolithic support body housing selecting units and cams, featuring piezoelectric actuators and levers, allowing direct mounting to the knitting machine structure, reducing dimensions, and simplifying the integration of stitch and selector cams, thereby improving positioning and maintenance accessibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If separate mounting blocks and additional rings are used to support stitch cams, selector cams, and selecting devices, then the control devices can be mounted, but the overall dimensions become large and mounting complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the support functions for stitch cams, selector cams, and selecting devices into a single monolithic support body. This merging of previously separate components (mounting blocks and additional rings) into one integrated structure reduces the overall volume and eliminates the need for multiple separate mounting elements, directly resolving the contradiction between mounting simplicity and large dimensions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate control devices are integrated using traditional mounting structures, then more control functions can be added, but the mounting process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The monolithic support body is designed to perform multiple functions: supporting stitch cams, selector cams, and selecting devices all in one structure. This universal support structure allows multiple control devices to be integrated without requiring separate mounting procedures for each component, thereby increasing adaptability while reducing mounting process complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If traditional mounting structures with multiple components are used, then control devices can be positioned, but positioning accuracy and maintenance accessibility are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
While the support body itself is monolithic, the control devices mounted on it remain as separate, independently accessible components. This segmentation allows each control device to be positioned with high precision relative to the needle-holding unit while maintaining ease of access for maintenance and adjustment, as each device can be individually addressed without disassembling the entire mounting structure.
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 accurate positioning of control devices, reduces mounting and maintenance complexity, decreases overall dimensions, increases the number of control devices that can be integrated, and enhances operational reliability and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
Each piezoelectric actuator is configured so as to selectively shift the respective lever at least between a first position, in which the lever interacts with the butts of the respective plurality of selectors, and a second position, in which the lever does not interact with the butts of the respective plurality of selectors
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A support and control device (1), designed to be mounted in a circular knitting machines equipped with a needle-holding unit, with a plurality of needles and with a corresponding plurality of selectors for such needles, comprising a support body (2) equipped with a mounting portion (3) to the supporting structure of the knitting machine, a first seat (4) and a second seat (5). The device comprises selecting units (20) for controlling the plurality of needle selectors, associated with the first seat, and at least one cam (30; 40) for controlling the needles or the selectors, associated with the second seat. The selecting units (20) comprise a plurality of levers (21), each one being configured so as to interact with the butts of a respective plurality of needle selectors, and a corresponding plurality of piezoelectric actuators; each piezoelectric selectively moves the respective lever at least between a first position, in which the lever interacts with the butts of the selectors, and a second position, in which the lever does not interact with the butts of the selectors.