Double-Cylinder Circular Knitting Machine Upper Needle Cylinder Lateral Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing double-cylinder circular machines for producing tubular knitted manufactures face challenges in precisely and efficiently moving the upper needle cylinder laterally with respect to the lower needle cylinder to accommodate a pick-up device for automated manufacturing, often requiring complex and unsatisfactory mechanical solutions.
Innovation Solution
The machine employs an arm supported by a column, actuated by a main motor, to transition the upper needle cylinder from a coaxial to a laterally spaced position, allowing precise positioning for pick-up device installation, while minimizing space occupation and using the same motor for actuation, thus avoiding additional complex devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If the upper needle cylinder is moved laterally with respect to the lower needle cylinder using additional actuation means, then the pick-up device can be positioned for automated manufacturing, but the mechanical complexity of the machine increases
Solution Approach 1:
The main motor is made to perform multiple functions: it actuates both the lower needle cylinder and the upper needle cylinder, including the lateral movement of the upper needle cylinder. This eliminates the need for separate actuation means, reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining automated functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the actuation functions by connecting the main motor to both needle cylinders through a shared transmission system. The main shaft of the main motor is connected to the lower needle cylinder and also to the upper needle cylinder, merging the actuation mechanisms into a unified system
2Manufacturing precision
If additional actuation means are used to move the upper needle cylinder, then lateral positioning is achieved, but the space occupation increases and hinders other machine components
Solution Approach 1:
The main motor serves multiple actuation functions, eliminating the need for additional separate actuation devices that would occupy extra space. The same motor and its main shaft are used to drive both needle cylinders and enable lateral movement
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission mechanism is nested within the existing machine structure. The main shaft is arranged within the column that supports the upper needle cylinder, and the transmission elements are integrated into the vertical space already available in the machine
3Manufacturing precision
If complex mechanical devices are used for lateral movement, then positioning capability is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The main motor is made to perform multiple functions including actuating both needle cylinders and enabling lateral movement. This eliminates the need for additional expensive components and reduces overall manufacturing cost while maintaining positioning capability
Solution Approach 2:
The existing main motor and transmission system are made to serve the additional function of lateral movement. The system uses its own resources (main motor, main shaft, existing transmission elements) to achieve positioning without requiring external or additional expensive mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
A double-cylinder circular machine for producing tubular knitted manufactures, particularly for making hosiery items or the like, which comprises a supporting structure which is provided with a footing for resting on the ground which supports, so that it can rotate about its own vertically-oriented axis, a lower needle cylinder. The supporting structure comprises at least one column which is extended substantially vertically, protrudes upward from the footing and supports, so that it can rotate about its own axis, an upper needle cylinder, the upper needle cylinder is supported, so that it can rotate about its own axis, by an arm, which in turn is supported by the column, elements being provided for the rotation of the arm about the axis of the main shaft with respect to the column to provide the transition of the upper needle cylinder from an active position to an inactive position.