Circular Knitting Machine Sinker Cover Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
In circular hosiery knitting machines, the centering of the sinker cover with respect to the needle cylinder is not precise due to the constant motion of the needle cylinder, leading to variations in stitch tension and reduced knitting precision, especially in high-precision seamless knitting applications.
Innovation Solution
The machine incorporates adjustment means between the sinker cover and the supporting structure to adjust the sinker cover's position perpendicular to the needle cylinder axis, using actuators and eccentric adjustment columns to maintain precise alignment, independent of the needle cylinder's motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the sinker cover is centered with respect to the needle cylinder during fine-tuning, then the initial position alignment is achieved, but the position precision deteriorates because the needle cylinder constantly moves during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a fixed reference frame (supporting structure) as an intermediary between the sinker cover and the needle cylinder. Instead of centering the sinker cover relative to the moving needle cylinder, the adjustment means is fixed to the supporting structure, providing a stable reference that does not change during operation. This mediator resolves the contradiction by decoupling the sinker cover positioning from the needle cylinder's constant motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by not adjusting the sinker cover position relative to the needle cylinder, but rather fixing the adjustment means to the supporting structure and allowing the needle cylinder to rotate independently. This inversion transforms the problem from maintaining position during motion to establishing position independent of motion, thereby resolving the precision-stability contradiction.
2Productivity
If the needle cylinder rotates at high speed during operation, then productivity is improved, but the position of the sinker cover varies relative to the needle cylinder, reducing knitting precision
Solution Approach 1:
The fixed reference frame (supporting structure) acts as a mediator that maintains stable positioning of the sinker cover independent of the needle cylinder's high-speed rotation. The adjustment means being fixed to the supporting structure ensures that the sinker cover remains in the correct position throughout the rotation cycle, preventing position variations that would affect stitch tension uniformity while allowing high productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the positioning function from the rotating needle cylinder by fixing the adjustment means to the supporting structure. This segmentation allows the needle cylinder to rotate at high speeds for productivity while the sinker cover position is maintained by the independent, fixed reference system, thereby preserving manufacturing precision.
3Measurement precision
If adjustment means are added to fix the sinker cover position, then position precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment means, once fixed to the supporting structure, serves multiple functions: it maintains sinker cover position precision during high-speed operation, provides a stable reference frame, and eliminates the need for continuous active adjustment. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity despite adding initial structural elements, as it eliminates the need for complex active control systems.
Data Source
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AI summary
A circular hosiery knitting machine of the seamless type, comprising a supporting structure and a needle cylinder provided with a plurality of axial slots, each of which accommodates a needle which can be actuated with a reciprocating motion along the corresponding axial slot; a sinker ring being arranged around the upper end of the needle cylinder being provided with a plurality of radial slots, each of which accommodates a sinker, which can move with a reciprocating motion along the corresponding radial slot, each sinker being provided with a heel which protrudes upward from the corresponding radial slot and can engage at least one path defined in a sinker cover which faces in an upper region the sinker ring, the needle cylinder being actuatable with a rotary motion about its own axis with respect to the supporting structure and to the sinker cover.