Knitting Needle Hook with Elastic Free End for Thread Insertion and Stitch Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Knitting needles face a compromise between ensuring reliable thread insertion and easy stitch removal, as large hooks facilitate insertion but complicate removal, and existing designs either compromise on thread security or require additional control elements for stitch ejection.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable knitting needle with a hook opening width that changes based on the position of the slider or latch, allowing for a larger opening for thread insertion and a smaller diameter for stitch removal, achieved through elastic resilience or cross-sectional reductions, with optional limitations on the movement of the free end area to enhance stitch ejection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the needle hook is made relatively large, then reliable thread insertion is achieved, but stitch removal becomes difficult due to expanded stitch diameter
Solution Approach 1:
The needle hook is designed with a movable free end area that can change its position dynamically. When the latch or slider is open, the free end area is at maximum distance for large opening width enabling reliable thread insertion. When the latch or slider closes, the free end area moves toward the opposite end area to reduce opening width and facilitate stitch removal, resolving the contradiction between insertion reliability and removal ease
Solution Approach 2:
The opening width parameter of the needle hook is made variable rather than fixed. The distance between the free end area and the opposite end area changes based on the latch/slider position, allowing the hook to present different effective sizes for different operations - large for thread insertion, small for stitch ejection
2Ease of operation
If the cross section of the needle is reduced to enable gentle stitch knocking off, then stitch removal becomes easier, but the opening width of the hook is reduced compromising thread insertion security
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of a permanently reduced cross section, the needle employs a dynamically adjustable cross section through the movable free end area. The cross section appears large when the free end is extended for thread insertion security, and reduces effectively when the free end moves in for stitch knocking off, eliminating the need to permanently compromise either function
Solution Approach 2:
The needle hook is segmented into a fixed hook head and a movable free end area. This segmentation allows different parts of the hook to serve different functions at different times - the fixed head provides structural integrity while the movable end adjusts the effective opening width, enabling both secure insertion and easy removal without compromising either
3Reliability
If a long latch is used to achieve a flat rise to the closed needle hook, then thread insertion is improved, but the needle drive-out path is lengthened requiring a wider needle cam
Solution Approach 1:
The movable free end area dynamically adjusts the effective length of the needle hook during operation. When the latch closes, the free end area moves toward the hook head, effectively shortening the drive-out path required, while still providing sufficient opening width for reliable thread insertion when open, thus reducing the required needle cam width
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
Ensures reliable thread insertion and gentle stitch removal without additional control elements, maintaining high strength and rigidity in the needle areas while allowing for efficient diameter reduction during stitch ejection.
Implementation Method 1
the free end area can be designed to be elastically resilient. In the relaxed state, it has the greatest distance to the opposite end area. By closing the tongue or the slide, however, it can be moved towards the end area adjacent to the needle shaft
Implementation Method 2
a cross-sectional reduction is provided between the free end area of the needle hook and the hook head. This allows the free end area to bend relative to the hook head and thus to change the distance between the free end area and the end area formed onto the needle shank
Data Source
Figure 1a~1d
Figure 2~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The needle i.e. latch needle (1), has a needle hook (2) formed at a needle shaft. A tongue (5) or a slider is provided for closing the hook. A free end region (22) of the hook is variable in a distance to an end region of the hook, where the end region is adjacent to the shaft. The free end region is designed in an elastic resilient manner. A joint body is arranged between the free end region and a hook head. A limitation for a movement of the free end region takes place by a limitation of a closing movement of the tongue or the slider.