Modular Support for Curved-Needle Sewing Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Curved-needle sewing machines used in the shoe industry face challenges due to high production costs and limited adaptability, as specific adaptations require unique parts and complex modifications, making it difficult to transform machines for changing production requirements without increasing costs.
Innovation Solution
A modular support and orientation system for curved-needle sewing machines that allows for multiple adaptations using a small number of interchangeable parts, enabling easy conversion between different set-ups without reducing functionality or reliability, and reducing production and transformation costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If specific adaptations with unique parts are implemented for special work operations, then the machine can perform specialized sewing tasks, but the production costs increase and adaptability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal base structure that can accommodate multiple arms with different geometries. The base includes standardized mounting features and adjustment mechanisms that allow any arm type to be installed and configured for different sewing operations, making the machine adaptable without requiring unique parts for each adaptation.
Solution Approach 2:
The machine is divided into modular components: a common base and separable arms. Each arm can be independently selected, installed, and removed based on production requirements. This segmentation allows the system to be reconfigured for different tasks without redesigning the entire machine, reducing overall complexity while maintaining versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If limited-number batches are produced for specific adaptations, then specialized sewing operations can be supported, but manufacturing costs increase due to low production volumes
Solution Approach 1:
The universal base structure allows a single platform to produce multiple specialized configurations. Instead of manufacturing separate machines for each adaptation, the same base can be used with different arms, enabling high-volume production of the common component and low-volume production of specific arm variants, thereby reducing overall manufacturing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows customization through parameter changes rather than structural redesign. Arms with different geometries, lengths, and mounting configurations can be produced by varying dimensional parameters of the same basic design, enabling cost-effective production of specialized adaptations without requiring entirely new tooling or manufacturing processes.
3Reliability
If arms and bases are fixed in specific configurations for particular adaptations, then specialized sewing tasks can be performed, but transformation between machine types becomes difficult or impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The base is designed with dynamic adjustment capabilities, including movable mounting points and adjustable support structures. Arms can be repositioned, reoriented, and reconfigured on the base without permanent fixation, allowing the machine to transform between different operational modes while maintaining reliable specialized performance for each configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The base includes pre-configured mounting features, alignment references, and standardized interfaces that are prepared in advance. This preliminary structuring enables quick and reliable transformation between arm configurations without requiring complex real-time adjustments or compromising the reliability of specialized sewing operations.
Data Source
Figure 1~11
Figure 2~5
Figure 6~9
AI summary
The system (10) is associated below the head (2) of a sewing machine (1) having a curved needle (5), and comprises two modular elements constitute by a column (11) and a spacer plate (12). With only the column, the machine (1) is fixed to a work plane (P) in a vertical trim configuration (C1), while by interposing the spacer plate (12) between the column and the plane (P), the machine (1) is fixed in an inclined trim configuration (C2). The system (10) is usable in all trim configurations of the machine (1), without any need to use specially-realised pieces, enabling considerable saving in terms of production costs.