Movable Base Sewing Machine for 3D Workpiece Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sewing systems mounted on robot arms face challenges in achieving precise positioning of the stitch point due to insufficient distance between the throat plate and the sewing needle, especially when dealing with three-dimensionally shaped workpieces, leading to reduced accuracy and difficulty in setting the workpiece.
Innovation Solution
A sewing machine design featuring a movable base supported by a connecting member with a joint mechanism that allows torque transmission between an input shaft and a transmission shaft, enabling the base to descend and widen the space between the sewing needle and the throat plate, thereby improving positioning accuracy without requiring additional movable structures on the arm portion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the sewing machine is mounted on the robot arm with the arm portion holding the frame, then the sewing machine can perform stitching on three-dimensionally shaped workpieces, but the distance from the robot arm tip to the stitch point position becomes too long, reducing positioning accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the frame into a stationary part and a movable base that can move in the vertical direction. The throat plate is attached to the movable base, allowing it to move independently from the robot arm holding position. This segmentation enables the robot arm to hold the frame at an optimal position for accuracy while the throat plate moves to accommodate three-dimensional workpieces.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a lifting and lowering mechanism that enables the movable base to dynamically adjust its vertical position. This dynamic adjustment allows the throat plate to move up and down, creating variable distance from the sewing needle, which accommodates three-dimensionally shaped workpieces while maintaining compact overall structure for accurate robot arm positioning.
2Volume of stationary object
If the sewing needle is lifted to the top dead center position to maximize the distance between the throat plate and the lower end portion of the needle, then the space is enlarged, but the distance remains insufficient for three-dimensionally shaped workpieces
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting and lowering mechanism transforms the static distance between the throat plate and sewing needle into a dynamic variable. By actuating this mechanism, the movable base can increase or decrease the vertical distance, providing sufficient space for three-dimensionally shaped workpieces when needed, while maintaining compact configuration during normal operation.
3Ease of operation
If a connecting member with joint mechanism is introduced to allow torque transmission while enabling base movement, then the base can descend to widen space, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting member with joint mechanism acts as an intermediary element between the input shaft and transmission shaft. It transmits torque while accommodating the vertical movement of the movable base, enabling the lifting and lowering function without requiring complex direct coupling mechanisms between moving and stationary parts.
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 design enhances the positioning accuracy of the stitch point by allowing the sewing machine to be positioned closer to the robot arm tip, facilitating the setting of three-dimensionally shaped workpieces and improving sewing quality.
Implementation Method 1
in the connecting member, in a state where the input shaft and the transmission shaft are aligned on the same line, torque is transmitted between the first joint member and the second joint member
Implementation Method 2
a cam follower, a cam main section formed with a cam section which relatively moves the cam follower in a moving direction of the base
Data Source
AI summary
A sewing machine in which a base configured to support a throat plate, a shuttle or a looper, and an input shaft for a stitching operation to the shuttle or the looper with respect to a bed portion of a frame is supported to be movable along a direction of approaching or separating from a sewing needle is provided. The sewing machine includes a connecting member which changes to any one of a state in which the input shaft and a transmission shaft are aligned in the same straight line to be in a torque transmission state and a state in which the input shaft moves together with the base with respect to the transmission shaft, between the input shaft on the base side and the transmission shaft which transmits power to the input shaft.