Indexable Locking Hopping Foot for Sewing Machine Ruler Guide
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Solution Overview
Problem
Maneuverable sewing and quilting machines face challenges in accurately following paths on fabric due to difficulty in simultaneously maneuvering the machine and maintaining the orientation of a ruler guide, which is essential for precise stitching.
Innovation Solution
A hopping foot assembly with a circular base, a rotating arm, and a ruler guide that can switch between locked and unlocked configurations, utilizing a bearing and locking assembly with a bias spring to maintain orientation and allow for precise alignment of the needle with the fabric path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a ruler guide is used to guide the needle along a path, then stitching accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for locking and rotating mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The ruler guide is designed with dynamic characteristics, allowing it to rotate about the axis when unlocked and maintain a fixed orientation when locked. This dynamic design enables the ruler guide to adapt to different stitching paths while providing stability during operation, resolving the contradiction between flexibility and precision
Solution Approach 2:
The hopping foot assembly is divided into separate functional components: the hopping foot base, the ruler guide, and the locking assembly. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall design while maintaining stitching accuracy through the coordinated action of these modular elements
2Manufacturing precision
If the ruler guide is fixed to maintain orientation, then path following accuracy is improved, but the ease of operation decreases due to difficulty in maneuvering the machine simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The ruler guide transitions between static and dynamic states based on operational needs. When maneuvering the machine to different positions, the ruler guide can be unlocked and rotated freely. When following a specific path, it locks into place to maintain orientation, providing both ease of repositioning and accuracy during stitching
Solution Approach 2:
The locking assembly automatically maintains the ruler guide in the locked position once engaged, requiring no continuous operator input. The spring-loaded locking mechanism self-regulates to keep the ruler guide fixed during operation, freeing the operator to focus on maneuvering the machine without worrying about maintaining ruler orientation
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
Enables users to easily guide the needle along desired paths on the fabric with improved accuracy and ease, maintaining orientation and allowing for precise stitching patterns.
Implementation Method 1
The rotating ruler guide may include a bearing coupled to the outer surface of the hopping foot base
Implementation Method 2
The locking assembly may include a bias spring. The bias spring may be arranged between the guide attachment and the locking latch to bias the locking latch toward the locked position
Data Source
AI summary
A hopping foot assembly for a sewing machine having a needle comprises a hopping foot base and a hopping foot arm extends axially from the hopping foot base relative to an axis. The hopping foot base is shaped to include an opening that extends axially through the hopping foot base relative to the axis. The hopping foot arm is configured to be coupled to the sewing machine to fix the hopping foot base relative to the sewing machine.