Loop-Forming Device Groove Geometry for Lint Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing loop-forming devices are prone to clogging by lint, which reduces their reliability and requires frequent maintenance, as the mechanical components accumulate lint in the grooves during the knitting process.
Innovation Solution
A loop-forming device with a cylinder and sinker ring design where the actuating section of the sinker means is partially accommodated in a second groove, allowing for easier manufacturing and reduced lint accumulation, featuring grooves with a lower height-to-width ratio for improved cleaning and reduced clogging, and optionally incorporating third grooves with an acute inward edge to prevent lint entry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the grooves have a conventional high height-to-width ratio, then the device can accommodate the knitting tools, but lint accumulates in the grooves causing clogging and reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the grooves by reducing the height-to-width ratio. This parameter modification allows lint to be more easily removed from the grooves while still accommodating the knitting tools, thereby reducing lint accumulation and improving reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the previously harmful deep groove structure into a beneficial shallow groove structure. The shallow grooves prevent lint accumulation while still serving the functional purpose of accommodating knitting tools, thus transforming a lint-trapping feature into a lint-resistant feature
2Reliability
If the grooves are redesigned with lower height-to-width ratio, then lint removal is easier and reliability improves, but the manufacturing and structural design becomes different from conventional designs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the groove geometry parameters (reducing height-to-width ratio) to achieve self-cleaning properties. While this changes the manufacturing approach from conventional deep grooves, the simplified geometry actually facilitates easier cleaning and maintenance, offsetting the initial manufacturing adaptation
3Ease of repair
If the device is designed to be self-cleaning or easier to clean, then maintenance frequency is reduced, but the groove geometry must be significantly altered from conventional designs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the grooves with reduced height-to-width ratio so that they are self-cleaning or easier to clean. The geometry itself facilitates lint removal without requiring complex additional cleaning mechanisms, allowing the device to maintain itself through its inherent structural design
Solution Approach 2:
By changing the groove geometry parameters (lower height-to-width ratio), the patent creates a structure that is inherently easier to clean and maintain. This parameter modification simplifies the cleaning process and reduces maintenance requirements without adding complex auxiliary systems
Data Source
AI summary
A device (1), a sinker arrangement (5) and a method for loop-forming are described. The device (1) may include a cylinder (2) with first grooves (3) for needles (4) accommodated in a first groove (3), whereby the needles (4) include a loop forming section, and a sinker ring (27) with second grooves (15) for the sinker arrangement (5). The sinker arrangement (5) may include an actuating section (12) and a loop forming section (7). The loop forming section (7) includes an opening (11), and the sinker arrangements (5) are accommodated in one single second groove (15). The opening (11) may be delimited in the width direction (x) by two side faces (23) and the loop forming section of the needle (4) is movably disposed between the two side faces (23) of the opening (11).