Flat Knitting Yarn Cutting Device Bed-Mounted Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flat knitting machines face productivity constraints due to the need for a carriage to activate yarn pinching and cutting devices, which increases complexity and reduces efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A yarn pinching and cutting device that can be fixed to the needle bed, allowing hooks to be actuated independently without requiring the carriage, using a kinematically linked motor-driven activation system with two electric motors and a modular design to minimize space usage and production costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a carriage is used to activate the yarn pinching and cutting device, then the device can be activated, but the productivity of the knitting machine is significantly reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The activation system is segmented into individual motor units, each independently controlling specific hooks. This eliminates the need for a single complex carriage mechanism and allows parallel operation of multiple hooks, significantly improving productivity while reducing overall system complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical carriage system is replaced with an automated motor-driven activation system. Electric motors directly actuate the hooks through kinematic linkages, eliminating the mechanical constraints of carriage movement and enabling faster, more precise control of the pinching and cutting operation
2Device complexity
If a carriage is used to activate the yarn pinching and cutting device, then the device can be activated, but the complexity of the machine is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The activation system is segmented into individual motor units, each independently controlling specific hooks. This eliminates the need for a single complex carriage mechanism and allows parallel operation of multiple hooks, significantly improving productivity while reducing overall system complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical carriage system is replaced with an automated motor-driven activation system. Electric motors directly actuate the hooks through kinematic linkages, eliminating the mechanical constraints of carriage movement and enabling faster, more precise control of the pinching and cutting operation
3Ease of operation
If multiple hooks are actuated independently, then each hook can be controlled individually, but more activation mechanisms are required
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into modular motor units, each responsible for actuating specific hooks independently. This segmentation enables individual hook control while keeping each activation mechanism simple and standardized, reducing overall complexity through repetition of proven modular components
Solution Approach 2:
Each motor unit is designed as a universal module capable of actuating any hook through standardized kinematic linkages. This multi-functional design allows the same activation mechanism to be reused across multiple hooks, reducing the variety of different mechanisms needed and simplifying the overall system
4Area of stationary object
If the device is fixed to the needle bed, then space between beds is not obstructed, but the device must be integrated into the bed structure
Solution Approach 1:
The pinching and cutting device is segmented into modular components that can be independently manufactured and then assembled onto the needle bed. This modular approach simplifies integration while ensuring the device fits within the available space without obstructing bed access
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed to extend in the plane of the bed rather than projecting vertically into the space between beds. This dimensional reconfiguration allows the device to be fixed to the bed structure while maintaining clear access to the inter-bed space for yarn insertion and other operations
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
This solution enhances productivity by eliminating the need for a carriage, allowing independent hook actuation, reducing manufacturing costs, and optimizing space, while maintaining efficient yarn gripping and cutting capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
drive means comprising at least one motor... said drive means may consist of a first electric motor and a second electric motor
Implementation Method 2
said connecting means may include a first axis provided with at least one first toothed wheel... said connecting means may include a second axis equipped with at least one second gear
Implementation Method 3
The first toothed wheel can mesh with a rack of an activation bar of said first assembly... The second toothed wheel can mesh with a rack of an activation bar of said second assembly
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
yarn pinching and cutting device (3) for a straight knitting machine, said machine comprising at least one bed (1) on which are arranged a plurality of needles, said device comprising a plurality of hooks (6) capable of grasping at least one yarn and moving between a rest position and a grasping position, said device being configured to be fixed to one end of said bed so that said device, when fixed to the bed of the machine, extends in the plane of said bed.