Linear Transfer Device for Sequin Placement in Sewing Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sewing machine assembly devices with pivotable arms require precise alignment and occupy significant space above the fabric, limiting accessibility and efficiency in attaching functional elements like sequins or electronic components to textiles.
Innovation Solution
A linearly movable transfer device with a receptacle for functional elements, eliminating rotational movement and utilizing the textile surface as a base to hold elements in place, reduces the device's size and height, allowing for improved accessibility and precise alignment without additional locking mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a pivotable arm transfer device is used, then functional elements can be transferred from magazine to fabric, but the device occupies significant space above the fabric and requires precise alignment
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a pivotable arm that rotates above the fabric, the patent inverts the approach by using a linearly movable transfer element that travels along a guide rail directly above the fabric surface. This eliminates the need for rotational movement and reduces the vertical space requirement, as the transfer element moves horizontally rather than pivoting from above
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the rotational pivot function from the transfer device by eliminating the pivotable arm entirely. The transfer element is separated from any rotating mechanism and instead moves linearly along a fixed guide, removing the space-consuming pivot joint and its associated alignment requirements
2Ease of operation
If a pivotable arm transfer device is used, then functional elements can be transferred, but precise alignment between arm, elements, and fabric is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the transfer mechanism from a top-down pivotable arm approach to a linear horizontal movement approach. The transfer element moves along a guide rail that is positioned directly above the fabric, eliminating the need for complex angular alignment between pivot axis, arm, and fabric surface
Solution Approach 2:
The guide rail serves multiple functions: it guides the linear movement of the transfer element, maintains the correct height above the fabric, and ensures proper alignment throughout the transfer path. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate alignment mechanisms
3Volume of moving object
If the transfer element is arranged directly above the textile surface, then space is minimized and accessibility is improved, but the textile must simultaneously act as a base to hold the element
Solution Approach 1:
The textile fabric serves a dual function: it is both the substrate being processed and the base that holds the functional element during transfer. The fabric's surface properties naturally provide the holding capability, eliminating the need for separate clamping or locking mechanisms
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a pick-and-place device (10; 10a) for in particular sequin-like functional elements (1a to 1d) in the region of a sewing machine (1000), having at least one magazine-like storage element (14; 14a to 14c) for the functional elements (1a to 1d), in which storage element the functional elements (1a to 1d) are arranged loosely and preferably stacked one on top of the other, and having a transfer device for withdrawing a functional element (1a to 1d) from the storage element (14; 14a to 14c) in a pick-up position and for positioning the functional element (1a to 1d) in a placement position, in particular in the region above a textile (100).