Latch Needle Spring Integration for Debris Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Latch needles with integrated latch springs face contamination issues due to dirt accumulation in the latch slot, particularly at high production speeds, where the spring element can impede the passage and exit of debris, and there is a risk of the spring becoming detached.
Innovation Solution
The latch needle design incorporates a spring element that is an integral part of the needle latch, eliminating the need for a separate latch spring, allowing for improved dirt removal and stability, with the spring element being captively connected to prevent detachment and allowing the latch slot to be designed independently of the spring, featuring abutment surfaces for support and optional additional spring elements for enhanced stiffness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate latch spring is used in the latch slot, then the latch needle can maintain the latch in rest positions, but the spring element impedes the passage and exit of dirt from the latch slot
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element is merged with the needle latch as an integral part or captively connected component. This eliminates the separate latch spring that blocked the latch slot, allowing dirt to pass through freely while the integrated spring maintains latch position stability through its elastic force.
2Reliability
If a separate latch spring is used, then the latch functionality is maintained, but the spring can become detached at high production speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element is formed as an integral part of the needle latch or captively connected to it, eliminating the risk of detachment at high speeds. The merged design ensures the spring remains permanently attached while continuing to provide the necessary elastic force for latch functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element is nested within or integrated into the structure of the needle latch, with the spring housed within recesses or channels of the latch body. This nesting arrangement prevents detachment while maintaining the spring's mechanical function.
3Reliability
If the latch slot is closed at the back by the tongue spring, then the latch is retained, but dirt and fiber residues cannot be removed from the latch slot
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element is positioned and oriented such that it does not close off the rear of the latch slot. The merged design allows the spring to provide retention force while leaving the slot open for dirt removal, possibly through strategic placement of the spring within recesses that don't obstruct the slot opening.
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 design enhances the removal of fluff and other debris from the latch slot, prevents spring detachment at high speeds, and maintains the latch's functionality without obstructing dirt passage, ensuring robust operation and efficient cleaning.
Implementation Method 1
The spring element serves in the latch needle according to the invention to bring the needle latch in at least one of its end positions into a slightly raised position from the needle body. The tongue spring achieves this by exerting a corresponding force on the tongue shaft.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The needle (1) has a needle body that movably supports a needle tongue (5), and spring elements i.e. flexible springs, provided in the needle tongue, where the spring elements are formed by a section of the needle tongue. A bearing section (16) and a head (15) connected to each other are equipped in the needle tongue. The spring elements are extended from the head to the bearing section. A saw slot (6) is provided in the needle body, and abutment surfaces (27, 28) are equipped in the saw slot.