Mobile Cam Device Pneumatic Cabling Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing knitting machines face challenges with complex and costly pneumatic cabling, frequent maintenance needs, slow actuator control, and contamination issues due to the extensive use of compressed air tubes, which limit productivity and machine reliability.
Innovation Solution
A mobile cam device for knitting machines featuring a compact, rational structure with integrated solenoid valves and pistons that directly connect to compressed air pathways, allowing for efficient and controlled movement of command cams, reducing the need for extensive pneumatic cabling and improving cleanliness within the pneumatic circuit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If extensive pneumatic cabling is used to supply compressed air to each actuator, then the knitting machine can operate with multiple command devices, but the device complexity and maintenance requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple air supply pathways into a single integrated body structure. The body (2) contains multiple air pathways (6a, 6b, 7a, 7b) that are internally connected, allowing compressed air to reach multiple actuators (5a, 5b) without requiring separate external tubing for each pathway. This merging of pneumatic routes reduces the overall complexity of pneumatic cabling while maintaining the capability to operate multiple command devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The single body (2) serves multiple functions by housing both the air inlet (3) and multiple solenoid valves (9a, 9b, 10a, 10b) in one location. This universal structure allows a single pneumatic supply point to control multiple actuators through internally defined pathways, eliminating the need for separate dedicated tubing for each actuator and reducing overall system complexity.
2Ease of operation
If solenoid valves are located in a central command unit distant from actuators, then control is centralized, but the control speed and responsiveness of actuators decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control functions by locating all solenoid valves (9a, 9b, 10a, 10b) within the same body (2) that houses the actuators. This integration eliminates distant pneumatic tubing connections and allows for rapid air supply to actuators, improving response speed while maintaining centralized control through the unified body structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The body (2) acts as an intermediary structure that simultaneously serves as the housing for control valves and the mounting structure for actuators. This intermediate structure enables direct connection between solenoid valves and actuators through internally defined air pathways, bridging the gap between centralized control and rapid actuation.
3Reliability
If dedicated air supply tubes are used for each actuator, then air supply control is precise, but the risk of contamination and maintenance needs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple air supply pathways into a single protected body (2) with internally defined pathways (6a, 6b, 7a, 7b). This integration reduces the number of external connections and potential contamination points while maintaining precise control over each actuator through individually controlled solenoid valves. The unified structure protects the pneumatic system from external contaminants.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple solenoid valves are distributed across different command units, then each actuator can be controlled independently, but the overall system reliability decreases due to more connection points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple solenoid valves (9a, 9b, 10a, 10b) into a single body (2), reducing the number of external connection points and potential failure points. This merging maintains independent control capability for each actuator through the solenoid valves while improving overall system reliability by consolidating the pneumatic control architecture into one integrated structure.
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
The solution enhances knitting machine productivity, reduces maintenance requirements, and improves the reliability and efficiency of needle control, enabling faster rotation velocities and cleaner operation.
Implementation Method 1
at least a first solenoid valve (9a) mounted and connected directly to the body (2) of the device and directly active at least on the first air pathway (6a), the first solenoid valve (9a) being configured and predisposed to selectively enable or prevent passage of air in the first air pathway (6a) such as to selectively activate the first actuator (5a)
Implementation Method 2
at least a first actuator (5a), mounted and connected directly to the body (2) of the device and directly destined to move the first command cam (8a) in a controlled way
Implementation Method 3
at least a first command cam (8a) destined to interact with at least a needle of a needle bed of a knitting machine... the first command cam (8a) being movable between a deactivated position, in which it does not interact with the threads, and an active position, in which the first command cam (8a) interacts with one or more threads for working and forming the knitting stitch
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
A mobile cam device (1) for commanding needles of a needle bed of a knitting machine, the device comprising a body (2) of the device provided with at least a first housing seating (4a) having a longitudinal development and configured to movably house at least a first actuator (5a) in the body. The device further comprises at least a first command cam (8a) movably mounted and associated to the body and destined to interact with at least a needle of a needle bed of a knitting machine, and at least a first actuator (5a), movably housed at least partially in the first housing seating (4a) in the body and destined to move in a controlled way the first command cam (8a). The first actuator comprises a first piston (15a) and a second piston (16a) distinct from one another and translatably housed in the first seating, the first and second piston being arranged in series along the longitudinal extension of the first seating and being translatable independently with respect to one another. The body (2) of the device is one and one alone, and is made in a single piece.