Knitting Needle Single Drive Foot Resilient Shaft
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing knitting needles for machines require complex drive systems and additional elements to perform multiple functions, leading to potential malfunctions and increased construction complexity, particularly due to the need for multiple drive feet and locks that can result in unwanted needle movement and longer needle beds.
Innovation Solution
A knitting needle design featuring a predominantly rigid needle shaft with a single drive foot and a resilient section, where the drive foot's movement is controlled by a spring force, allowing for simple construction and stable operation without additional drive elements, and utilizing a stop to limit movement and stabilize the resilient section.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple drive feet and locks are used to perform multiple functions, then the knitting needle can perform mesh, insert catch, and remain inactive functions, but the construction complexity increases and the risk of malfunction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The knitting needle is designed with a single drive foot that can perform multiple functions (mesh, insert catch, and remain inactive) by selectively engaging with different cam curves in the knitting system. The needle shaft itself is made resilient to enable this multi-functionality without requiring additional drive feet or complex locking mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The needle shaft is designed with resilient properties that allow it to flex and return to its original position. This parameter change (from rigid to resilient) enables the single drive foot to be actively driven in one direction while passively returning in the opposite direction, achieving multiple functions with simplified construction.
2Adaptability or versatility
If lifting locks are used to raise the drive foot from the needle bed, then the drive foot can engage with different cam curves, but the needle bed distance increases and additional support structures are required
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient needle shaft serves itself by automatically returning the drive foot to its initial position after engagement with the cam curve. The elasticity of the needle shaft provides the necessary force to raise and lower the drive foot without requiring external lifting locks or additional support structures from below.
3Adaptability or versatility
If pusher locks are used to press the drive foot into the needle bed, then the knitting needle can be disengaged from the lock, but additional drive elements are required and the risk of unwanted submersion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single drive foot is designed to work with the knitting system's existing cam curves without requiring additional pusher locks or drive elements. The resilient needle shaft enables the drive foot to be pressed into the needle bed during normal operation and to return to its initial position after disengagement, achieving lock disengagement functionality with the existing single drive foot.
4Device complexity
If the needle shaft is made flexible to enable drive foot movement, then the construction is simplified, but the needle becomes prone to twisting and unintended lowering
Solution Approach 1:
The needle shaft is designed with local resilience - only the portion that needs to flex for drive foot movement is made resilient, while other portions maintain sufficient rigidity. This localized quality change allows the needle to be driven laterally without twisting and prevents unintended lowering of the drive foot, while still enabling the necessary flexing motion.
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
This design enables the needle to perform multiple functions efficiently with fewer drive elements, maintaining mechanical stability and allowing for a compact needle bed construction, reducing the risk of unintended movement and simplifying the knitting lock mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient section (2) of the needle shaft (1)
Implementation Method 2
the drive foot (3) may be biased against a spring force from a lower relaxed position to at least one raised position
Data Source
AI summary
A knitting needle (10) for knitting machines with only one drive foot (15) which is arranged at the end of the needle (10) and can be moved against a spring force from a lower position to at least one raised position or from a raised position to at least one lowered position.