Knitting Machine Thread Guide with Multi-Position Lever Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thread guide devices for knitting machines face issues with precise positioning, repeatability, structural complexity, and vibration-induced inaccuracies, leading to reduced performance and increased maintenance needs.
Innovation Solution
A device featuring a body with movably housed thread guide means, comprising levers and actuators that allow for precise positioning of the thread guide in multiple operating positions, with elastic elements for stability and a dispensing element that can be easily mounted and adjusted for precise alignment with the needles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a thread guide device is designed to position the dispensing end in multiple different positions to satisfy various fabric working requirements, then the adaptability and versatility of the device is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for specific elements and various actuators
Solution Approach 1:
The thread guide is designed as a movable component that can dynamically change its position between multiple predetermined positions (first position for normal operation, second position for thread replacement, third position for needle cleaning). This dynamic positioning capability allows a single device to perform multiple functions without requiring separate static components for each position, thereby reducing overall structural complexity while maintaining high adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The thread guide device integrates multiple functions into a single universal component: it serves as the thread dispensing guide during normal operation, becomes a thread replacement access point when positioned second, and acts as a needle cleaning mechanism when positioned third. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate actuators and elements for each function, directly reducing device complexity while enhancing versatility.
2Ease of operation
If the thread guide is made movable to allow positioning between rest condition and working condition, then the ease of operation is improved, but the manufacturing precision and repeatability of positioning deteriorates due to vibrations and imprecisions
Solution Approach 1:
The thread guide is designed to move to predetermined positions in advance before the actual operation is required. The system includes positioning mechanisms that pre-establish accurate locations for the thread guide, ensuring that when positioning is needed (whether for normal operation, thread replacement, or needle cleaning), the component is already in the correct position, thereby maintaining manufacturing precision despite the movable design.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates feedback mechanisms to monitor and correct the position of the thread guide during movement. This feedback system detects deviations caused by vibrations or imprecisions and automatically adjusts the positioning to maintain the required accuracy, thereby preserving manufacturing precision while retaining the ease of operation provided by movability.
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 solution provides high precision and repeatability in thread positioning, reduces vibrations, and simplifies maintenance, enhancing knitting machine performance and productivity while reducing costs and complexity.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic element having an end constrained to the body and the opposite end constrained to the thread guide, the elastic element being configured such as to maintain the guide portion of the thread guide in contact with the guide end of the second lever
Data Source
AI summary
A device (1) for feeding thread to the needles (N) of a knitting machine, the device comprising a body (2) destined to be associated to a needle-bearing organ of the knitting machine, and provided with at least a housing seating (3) configured such as to movably house the thread guide means (4) in the body. The device is provided with thread guide means (4), movably housed in the housing seating (3) and comprising a first lever (5), a thread guide (6) and a second lever (10). The first lever is rotatably mounted to the body (2) such as to be able to rotate about a first rotation axis (X); the thread guide is rotatably mounted to the first lever (5) so as to be able to rotate, with respect to the first lever, about a second rotation axis (Y). The thread guide extends longitudinally between a rear end (7) and a front end (8); the front end (8) extends and emerges from the seating (3) in the direction of the needle-bearing organ, and defines at least a passage (61) for a thread to be dispensed to the needles (N) of the needle-bearing organ; the thread guide is further provided with a guide portion (9). The second lever (10) is rotatably mounted to the body (2) so as to be rotatable about a third rotation axis (Z) and extends between an activating end (11) and a guide end (12), to which the guide portion (9) of the thread guide is maintained slidably in contact. The thread guide means further comprise activating means which controlledly move the first (5) and the second lever (10) so as to position the thread guide (6) in a plurality of operating positions with respect to the needle-bearing organ of the knitting machine.