Knitting Needle Swivel Joint Prevents Cable Twist
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Circular knitting needles with flexible cables often twist during use, making it difficult to knit as the cable winds up, and existing swivel joints do not provide a secure yet freely rotating connection between the needle members and the cable.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a selectively lockable swivel connector with a radially resilient locking member that allows relative rotation between the needle members and the cable while preventing axial translation, ensuring the cable remains unwound and the needle members remain securely connected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a flexible cable is used to join needle members in circular knitting needles, then the needle members can be connected and manipulated, but the cable twists and winds up during use, making knitting difficult
Solution Approach 1:
A swivel joint is introduced as an intermediary component between the needle member and the flexible cable. This swivel joint allows the needle member to rotate independently from the cable, preventing the cable from twisting while maintaining a secure connection. The swivel joint acts as a mediator that decouples the rotational motion of the needle from the cable, eliminating the harmful twisting effect.
2Ease of operation
If a swivel joint is used to allow cable rotation, then the cable can rotate freely, but the connection between needle member and cable may become insecure
Solution Approach 1:
The swivel joint is segmented into multiple functional components: a first connector member secured to the needle member, a second connector member secured to the cable, and a locking member that engages between them. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function - the connector members provide secure mechanical attachment while the locking member ensures the connection remains stable during rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
The swivel joint is designed with dynamic characteristics, allowing it to rotate freely in the operational direction (preventing cable twisting) while maintaining secure connection. The locking member engages with the connector members to prevent unintended movement or disengagement, creating a dynamic connection that is both secure and freely rotatable.
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 solution prevents the cable from twisting and winding up, allowing for smoother knitting by maintaining a secure connection while enabling free rotation, thus reducing user effort and improving knitting efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a radially resilient locking member that allows relative rotation between the needle members and the cable while preventing axial translation
Data Source
AI summary
A knitting needle or knitting needle assembly may include a braided metal cable having opposite ends, with first and second cylindrical members coupled to the opposite ends, respectively. Each of the cylindrical members may have a respective longitudinal axis extending along a cylindrical body thereof. At least one of the first and second cylindrical members may be coupled to its respective end of the cable such that the cylindrical member swivels about its longitudinal axis with respect to the cable to permit relative rotation between the respective cylindrical member and the cable. Additionally, the cylindrical member may define a first radially extending surface that prevents axial translation of the cable with respect to the cylindrical member while permitting relative rotation of the cylindrical member about the cable.