Flat Knitting Machine Set Up Device Needle Control Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional set up devices for flat knitting machines require large mounting spaces due to their configuration, which projects various components across the width direction, necessitating a reduction in space usage.
Innovation Solution
A compact set up device design featuring a needle control mechanism with a bat-shaped needle side engaging portion and a storage recess, utilizing a cam follower and cam plate to move the operation piece up and down, allowing for a more compact layout by eliminating the need for an oscillation lever and reducing the thickness projection of the device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an oscillation lever based needle control mechanism is used, then the set up needle can be switched between holding and non-holding states, but the device greatly projects out in the thickness direction and requires large mounting space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the control mechanism from an oscillation lever that moves in the thickness direction to a linear moving mechanism that operates in the width direction. The operation piece moves linearly along the width direction to push or pull the needle side engaging portion, eliminating the need for large thickness projection while maintaining the switching function between holding and non-holding states.
Solution Approach 2:
The needle control mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: the operation piece that moves linearly, the needle side engaging portion (bat) that engages with the needle, and the storage recess that guides the movement. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while contributing to overall compactness.
2Ease of operation
If various components are arranged across the entire region in the width direction, then the needle control mechanism can function properly, but the mounting space in the width direction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into the linearly moving operation piece: it serves as both the actuator that pushes/pulls the needle side engaging portion and as a structural element with storage recesses that guide and constrain the movement. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components needed across the width direction.
Solution Approach 2:
The operation piece is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides: linear movement capability, engagement with the needle side engaging portion, guidance through storage recesses, and structural support. This multi-functionality reduces the overall space requirement compared to having separate dedicated components for each function.
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
The compact design allows for efficient use of space within the flat knitting machine, maintaining constant tension on the knitted fabric while enabling reliable switching between holding and non-holding states of the set up needle, thus reducing the overall mounting space required.
Implementation Method 1
a coil spring (energizing body) for energizing the second needle member toward the lower side is further arranged
Implementation Method 2
a cam follower and a cam plate including a cam groove to which the cam follower engages
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3(A)~3(C)
AI summary
There is provided a set up device that can achieve reduction of the mounting space in the flat knitting machine. A set up device 100 includes a base section 1, a set up needle 2 arranged on the base section 1, a needle control mechanism 3 for switching a state of the set up needle 2 between a holding state and a non-holding state, and an energizing body 4 for energizing a second needle member 21 toward a lower side of a needle bed gap GP. The needle control mechanism 3 includes a needle side engaging portion 30 arranged on the set up needle 2, an operation piece 31 that is attached to the base section 1 in a slidably moving manner and that includes a base side engaging portion 31w that acts on the needle side engaging portion 30, and a raising/lowering mechanism section 32 that moves the operation piece 31 up and down along an extending direction of the set up needle 2. The needle control mechanism 3 changes a relative position of a first needle member 20 and the second needle member 21 by moving the needle side engaging portion 30 up and down with the base side engaging portion 31w.