Mobile Cam Device Pneumatic Control for Knitting Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing knitting machines face complexities due to the high number of compressed-air tubes, leading to increased design and maintenance costs, susceptibility to mounting errors, frequent cleaning needs, slow actuator control, and limitations in rotation velocity, which affect knitting productivity and machine reliability.
Innovation Solution
A mobile cam device with a simplified structure featuring a body with integrated air pathways and solenoid valves directly connected to actuators, allowing for efficient pneumatic control and reduced tube complexity, enabling faster actuator response and improved maintenance accessibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a high number of compressed-air tubes are used to supply each actuator individually, then each actuator can be controlled independently, but the device complexity and maintenance requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple air pathways within a single command device body, merging what would traditionally require separate tubes. Each command device now contains internal passages that distribute compressed air to multiple actuators locally, reducing the overall tube count while maintaining independent control capability through electronically controlled valves positioned at each device
Solution Approach 2:
The system is segmented into modular command devices, each self-contained with its own air distribution system. This segmentation allows each module to be independently serviced and reduces the complexity of the overall pneumatic system by localizing air supply management rather than requiring a centralized tube network
2Manufacturing precision
If individual compressed-air tubes are used for each actuator, then precise control is achieved, but mounting errors and susceptibility to faults increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple air supply functions are merged into a single integrated command device assembly, reducing the number of connection points and mounting operations required. The internal air pathways are factory-integrated, eliminating field assembly errors while maintaining precise actuator control through electronic valve management
3Reliability
If numerous compressed-air tubes are installed throughout the machine, then complete air supply coverage is achieved, but cleaning frequency and maintenance time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pneumatic system is segmented into modular command devices with internal air distribution. This modularization confines potential contamination to localized areas within each device rather than throughout the entire machine, reducing cleaning scope and frequency while maintaining complete air supply coverage to all actuators through the integrated pathways
4Ease of operation
If solenoid valves are positioned remotely in a central control unit, then control organization is improved, but actuator response time decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Control functionality is segmented and distributed to each command device location rather than centralized remotely. Each command device incorporates its own electronically controlled valve locally, organizing control at the point of action and eliminating the time delay associated with remote valve actuation while maintaining systematic control architecture
5Productivity
If the machine operates at higher rotation velocities, then knitting productivity increases, but the pneumatic system cannot supply actuators fast enough
Solution Approach 1:
The pneumatic control system is segmented into locally positioned valves at each command device, eliminating the time required for pneumatic signal transmission over long distances. This localisation enables faster actuator response that can keep up with higher rotation velocities, thereby supporting increased knitting productivity without compromising pneumatic system performance
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 maintains pneumatic circuit cleanliness, resulting in increased rotation velocity and longer machine lifespan with improved reliability and adaptability.
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), movably housed at least partially in the first housing seating (4a) in the body (2) and destined to move the first command cam (8a) in a controlled way
Implementation Method 3
command cams (known in the sector as needle cams) active on one or more needles of the machine such as to take them at least between a deactivated position, in which they do not interact with the threads, and an active position, in which the needles interact with one or more threads
Data Source
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AI summary
A mobile cam device (1) for commanding needles of a needle bed of a knitting machine, the device (1) comprising: at least a body (2) having at least an air inlet (3) destined to be connected to a source of compressed air, at least a first housing seating (4a) for movably housing at least a first actuator (5a) in the body (2), and having at least a first air pathway (6a) defined internally of the body (2) and connecting the at least an air inlet (3) with the first seating (4a) for moving the actuator by means of the compressed air; the device further comprises at least a first command cam (8a) movably mounted and associated to the body (2) 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 (2) and destined to move in a controlled way the first command cam (8a). The device further comprises at least a first solenoid valve (9a) mounted and connected directly to the body (2) of the device and active directly at least on the first air pathway (6a), the first solenoid valve 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.