Circular Knitting Needle Cable Connection Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing circular knitting needles experience cable twisting and complex manufacturing processes due to metallic connectors, which also interfere with smooth stitching and are prone to oxidation, affecting performance.
Innovation Solution
A connection structure featuring a metallic connector with a shaft and head, a cable recess system, and an auxiliary resin member between the needle body and connector, allowing for secure attachment and rotation of the cable while preventing detachment, and simplifying the manufacturing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a metallic connector is used to connect the cable and needle body, then the cable can be securely attached, but the cable twists during knitting
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed with a shaft portion that can rotate relative to the needle body, allowing the cable to rotate freely during knitting operations. This dynamic rotation capability prevents cable twisting while maintaining secure attachment through the head portion with cable recesses.
2Ease of operation
If a tubular metallic connector is used to allow cable rotation, then cable twisting is prevented, but the manufacturing process becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into distinct functional segments: a shaft portion for rotation and a head portion with cable recesses for secure attachment. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized independently and simplifies the manufacturing process compared to a single tubular structure.
3Ease of operation
If the metallic connector has a tubular portion of certain length, then cable rotation is enabled, but the connector interferes with smooth sliding stitches
Solution Approach 1:
The connector has a reduced diameter at the head portion where it contacts the cable, creating a local quality change that minimizes interference with stitch sliding. The shaft portion maintains sufficient length for rotation, while the head portion's compact design prevents harmful interference.
4Reliability
If the metallic connector is made of brass, then good conductivity is achieved, but the surface oxidizes to become tacky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies an adhesive coating to the metallic connector surface, which initially seems like an additional step, but it actually prevents oxidation and improves the overall reliability of the connection. The adhesive layer protects the brass surface from environmental factors while maintaining the underlying conductivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A connection structure includes a proximal end of a needle body, a metallic connector fixed to the proximal end, and an end of a flexible cable attached to the connector. The connector includes a shaft and a head diametrically greater than the shaft. The proximal end of the needle body has a hole into which the shaft of the connector is fitted. The head of the connector has a cable recess accommodating the end of the cable. The cable recess includes a first recess adjacent to an opening of the cable recess and a second recess adjacent to and diametrically greater than the first recess. The end of the cable includes a first portion accommodated in the first recess and a second portion connected to the first portion and accommodated in the second recess. The second portion is diametrically greater than the first portion.