Mechanical Needle Selection for Double-Needle-Cylinder Hosiery Machine

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing double-needle-cylinder hosiery machines face issues with electromagnetic interference and high failure rates in their needle selection mechanisms, particularly due to the reliance on electromagnetic control for needle selection.

Innovation Solution

The mechanism employs a mechanical structure for needle selection, utilizing an electromagnetic unit housed within a shielded compartment to prevent electromagnetic interference, with moving components constrained in axial and radial grooves for reliable operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If electromagnetic control is used for needle selection, then automation is improved, but electromagnetic interference and failure rate increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveneedle selection controlVSAvoidfailure rate
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces electromagnetic control with a mechanical selection system. The selector operates mechanically to engage or disengage the connecting element, which in turn controls the needle guide piece. This mechanical substitution eliminates electromagnetic interference and improves reliability while maintaining automation through the mechanical actuation mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Extent of automation

If electromagnetic control is used for needle selection, then automation is improved, but electromagnetic interference increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveneedle selection controlVSAvoidelectromagnetic interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates electromagnetic interference by substituting the electromagnetic control system with a purely mechanical selection mechanism. The selector, connecting element, and needle guide piece form a mechanical transmission system that does not generate or respond to electromagnetic fields, thereby removing the harmful interference factor entirely.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If selector swings in radial direction to drive connecting element, then needle selection is achieved, but device complexity increases due to additional press and rod member

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveneedle selectionVSAvoidmechanical structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the selector and connecting element into an integrated assembly where the selector directly engages the connecting element without requiring separate press and rod member components. This integration simplifies the mechanical structure while maintaining the needle selection function, reducing the number of parts and assembly complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 approach reduces electromagnetic interference and significantly lowers failure rates, ensuring smooth and reliable needle selection operations.

Implementation Method 1

an electromagnetic unit (4) arranged in the housing, through which a magnetic field is shielded

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Electromagnet

Data Source

PatentEP4509646B1Lower needle selection device for double-needlecylinder hosiery machine
Publication Date: 2025.08.06 ZHEJIANG WEIHUAN MASCH CO LTD
  • EP4509646B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4509646B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4509646B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention discloses a lower needle selection device for a double-needle-cylinder hosiery machine. The lower needle selection device includes an upper needle cylinder, a lower needle cylinder (1) and a double-end latch needle, wherein a needle cylinder attached seat (2) is arranged at the lower part of the lower needle cylinder (1); a top surface of the needle cylinder attached seat (2) is provided with a plurality of radial grooves (21); an outer wall of the needle cylinder attached seat is provided with a plurality of axial grooves (22); a control piece (23) is arranged in each radial groove (21) in the top surface of the needle cylinder attached seat (2); a needle selection piece (24) is arranged in each axial groove (22) in the outer wall of the needle cylinder attached seat (2); the needle selection piece (24) slides vertically in the axial groove (22) in the outer wall of the needle cylinder attached seat (2) under the action of a driving mechanism and abuts against a tail end of the control piece (23); and a fixed cam (5), a radial pushing and pressing member (6) and an axial pushing and pressing member (7) are arranged on the top surface of the needle cylinder attached seat (2), such that the control pieces (23) are controlled respectively to move in order to achieve needle selection. According to the present invention, moving components are all restrained in axial grooves or radial grooves, with reliable actions and low failure rate, so needle selection can be well completed.