Flat Knitting Machine Thread Insertion Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flat knitting machines face challenges in securely inserting and moving weft, warp, and floating threads without colliding with moving elements during the knitting process, and in effectively holding down knitted fabrics.
Innovation Solution
A device with a self-sufficiently movable thread contact area that can be positioned between or at the ends of knitting systems, allowing for secure insertion and movement of threads, and capable of switching between positions close to and far from the comb gap to avoid collisions, using mechanisms like levers, four-bar linkages, or pneumatics for precise control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a pick-up device with a finger extending into the knitting system area is used, then thread insertion capability is improved, but collision risk with moving elements increases
Solution Approach 1:
The thread contact area is extracted from the knitting system area and positioned in a separate device area. This spatial separation allows the pick-up device to perform thread insertion functions without its components extending into the path of moving knitting elements, thereby eliminating collision risk while maintaining thread manipulation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
A transfer mechanism acts as an intermediary between the thread contact area and the knitting system. Threads are first contacted and manipulated in the safe device area, then transferred to the knitting system through a controlled transfer point, avoiding direct extension of moving parts into the hazardous knitting zone.
2Stability of the object's composition
If knitted fabric pullers are used to hold down previous rows during needle removal, then stitch formation stability is improved, but ability to securely hold weft or float threads in predetermined position is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The device with the movable thread contact area is designed to perform multiple functions: it can hold down knitted fabric rows during stitch formation, insert weft threads, position float threads, and guide warp threads. This single multi-functional device replaces the need for separate specialized components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The thread contact area is designed to be movable between different positions (first position for thread insertion, second position for other operations). This dynamic positioning capability allows the same structural element to adapt to different functional requirements, providing both fabric holding and thread positioning capabilities.
3Adaptability or versatility
If thread guides are moved by drive devices on the carriage, then thread insertion flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The thread contact area is integrated into the carriage structure, merging the thread manipulation function with the existing carriage movement system. This integration allows thread guides to be moved by the carriage drive mechanism rather than requiring separate drive devices, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining insertion flexibility.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a flat knitting machine with at least one needle bed (20, 21) and a carriage (50, 51) movable along the needle bed (20, 21), on which at least one knitting system is arranged, wherein a device (10) for inserting and/or placing weft, warp and/or float threads into a knitted fabric and/or for holding a knitted fabric down during stitch formation is provided on the carriage (50, 51), and wherein the contact area of the device (10) is arranged at one end and outside the knitting system.