Knitting Machine Sinker Method for Unselected Needle Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

In knitting machines, unselected needles continue to move uselessly, causing linear defects like visible marks in the final product due to the upwards and downwards movement, which is exacerbated in machines for shoe uppers with multiple feeders and varying yarn characteristics, leading to inconsistent stitch formation and tension issues.

Innovation Solution

A method where the knitting stitch is formed on a first wall of the sinker and moved to a second wall at a different level by the sinker's selective movement, maintaining the axial position of unselected needles unchanged, thereby avoiding unnecessary stress on the stitch during transition between feeders.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If needles continue to move upwards and downwards in synchronization with selected needles, then the knitting machine maintains uniform motion patterns, but unselected needles create linear defects and visible marks on the final product

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuniform motion patternVSAvoidvisible marks on product

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the needle population into two independent groups: selected needles that follow the cam-driven upward and downward motion, and unselected needles that remain stationary. This segmentation allows each group to perform its specific function without interfering with the other, eliminating the harmful effect of unselected needles creating visible marks while maintaining the stability of motion patterns for selected needles

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic control of needle motion by selectively activating only certain needles to move with the cams while keeping others stationary. This dynamic differentiation resolves the contradiction by adapting the motion behavior of needles based on their selection status, thereby preventing visible marks while preserving uniform motion for active needles

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple feeders process different areas with varying stitch densities and yarn sizes, then production versatility is improved, but stitch tension inconsistency and defects increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing capabilityVSAvoidstitch tension consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by allowing different feeders to process different areas with specific stitch densities and yarn sizes tailored to local requirements, while simultaneously maintaining overall stitch tension consistency through the selective needle motion control mechanism that prevents interference between feeders

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a control mechanism as an intermediary that coordinates the operation of multiple feeders and selectively activates needles. This intermediary ensures that when one feeder is processing, only the corresponding needles are active, preventing tension inconsistencies and defects caused by interference from other feeders while maintaining production versatility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If needles are selectively activated for processing on subsequent feeders, then processing efficiency is improved, but unselected needles create positioning conflicts and defects

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing efficiencyVSAvoidstitch formation quality

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the needle population into selected and unselected groups, allowing selected needles to be actively processed by subsequent feeders while unselected needles remain stationary. This segmentation eliminates positioning conflicts and reliability issues by ensuring that only actively processed needles undergo motion, while unselected needles maintain their positions without creating defects

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic needle activation where the motion status of each needle is adapted based on its selection for processing. Selected needles dynamically follow the cam motion for efficient processing, while unselected needles remain statically positioned, eliminating positioning conflicts and maintaining stitch formation quality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11542642B2Method for making a knitting stitch in a knitting machine with one or more feeders

Publication Date: 2023.01.03 JVC HLDG SRL

AI summary

In the method for making a knitting stitch in a knitting machine where for forming the knitting stitch a needle and a sinker cooperate, the created knitting stitch is moved by a movement of the sinker to a rest position of the knitting stitch.