Needle Plate Detachable Mechanism with Position Interlock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing needle plate detachable mechanisms in sewing machines allow for unintended replacement when the needle is at the bottom dead center or during sewing operations, making it inconvenient to prevent needle plate replacement during unsuitable situations.
Innovation Solution
A needle plate detachable mechanism with a rotary unit and engaging mechanism that prevents switching from a fixed to an unfixed state when the needle is below the needle plate or the sewing machine is operational, utilizing a detector to interlock the switching mechanism and maintain the fixed state during sewing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the release lever or lock mechanism is operated when the needle is at the bottom dead center, then the needle plate can be detached, but the needle plate cannot be detached from the needle since the needle passes through the needle hole
Solution Approach 1:
The switching mechanism checks the needle position before allowing the needle plate fixing unit to be switched. The detector determines whether the needle is above the needle plate, and only then permits detachment operation, preventing the harmful situation where the needle plate cannot be detached from the needle
Solution Approach 2:
A detector is introduced as an intermediary component between the switching mechanism and the needle plate fixing unit. The detector monitors the needle position and controls the switching mechanism to enable or disable detachment based on whether the needle is in a safe position, thus mediating between the operator's action and the actual detachment
2Adaptability or versatility
If the needle plate can be detached during sewing operations, then the needle plate can be replaced at any time, but unnecessary detachment occurs when the operator has no intention to replace the needle plate
Solution Approach 1:
The switching mechanism receives feedback from the detector about the needle position and the motor driving state. Based on this feedback, the system automatically enables or disables the detachment function, preventing unnecessary detachment during sewing operations while maintaining replacement flexibility when appropriate
3Reliability
If a detector is added to interlock the switching mechanism, then the needle plate detachment is controlled to prevent unintended replacement, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detector automatically monitors the needle position and controls the switching mechanism without requiring additional manual intervention from the operator. The system self-regulates the detachment function based on real-time needle position feedback, achieving reliable control while minimizing the need for complex manual control mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
In order to prevent a replacement of the needle plate in the situation not suitable for replacing the needle plate, a needle plate detachable mechanism has a needle plate fixing unit capable of being switched between a fixed state where a needle plate is fixed to a sewing machine body and an unfixed state where the fixed state is released; and a switching mechanism which is connected with the needle plate fixing unit for switching the needle plate fixing unit between the fixed state and the unfixed state, wherein the needle plate fixing unit is prevented from being switched when the needle is positioned below an upper surface of the needle plate or when the sewing machine motor is driven.