Needle Selection Mechanism for Latch Warp Knitting Machines

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing warp knitting machines lack the ability to independently select and control the movement of individual knitting needles, limiting fabric types and pattern designs, and restricting the application fields of warp knitted fabrics.

Innovation Solution

A device and method for a latch needle warp knitting machine that includes a needle bed with movable latch needles and a cover plate with insertion-support members, controlled by mechanisms to adjust the height of each knitting needle, enabling selective needle movement and operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a traditional latch needle warp knitting machine is used, then the machine structure is simple and easy to operate, but the machine cannot selectively control individual knitting needles to move up and down, limiting fabric types and pattern designs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefabric type varietyVSAvoidmachine structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the needle selection function into separate modules: selection needles that can be individually raised, a cover plate with selection grooves, and insertion members. This segmentation allows individual needle control while maintaining overall machine simplicity, resolving the contradiction between versatility and structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic elements including the movable cover plate that can shift position, selection needles that can be individually raised to different heights, and insertion members that can be positioned selectively. These dynamic components enable pattern variation without requiring complete structural redesign, balancing adaptability with manageable complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If individual needle control is added to enable selective movement, then pattern design range expands, but the device complexity increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepattern design rangeVSAvoidneedle selection device complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cover plate serves multiple functions: it guides the insertion members, defines selection grooves for different needle positions, and can be repositioned to create different patterns. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function, expanding pattern design capabilities while controlling overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The insertion members act as intermediaries between the control mechanism and the knitting needles. They transfer the selection signal from the cover plate to the specific needles, simplifying the control architecture by providing a clear intermediary layer that reduces direct complexity between control systems and needle actuators.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the cover plate and insertion members are added for needle selection, then selective knitting is enabled, but the device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveselective knitting capabilityVSAvoidcover plate and insertion member structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The insertion members are nested within the cover plate structure, with the cover plate containing multiple insertion grooves that guide the insertion members. This nesting arrangement consolidates multiple components into a compact integrated structure, enabling selective knitting capability while minimizing the space and complexity required for the additional components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentEP3819414B1Needle selection apparatus and method for latch needle warp knitting machine
Publication Date: 2022.06.22 TIANJIN POLYTECHNIC UNIV
  • EP3819414B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3819414B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3819414B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A device and a method for needle selection of a latch needle warp knitting machine are provided. The device includes a needle bed, wherein the needle bed includes several grooves arranged in rows according to gauge type of the knitting machine, latch needles capable of moving up and down being mounted in the needle grooves, and being provided with needle butts; and a cover plate is mounted on the needle bed, insertion grooves corresponding to the grooves being provided in the cover plate, insertion-support members capable of moving forward and backward being mounted in the insertion grooves, and the insertion-support member including an upper insertion-support member and a lower insertion-support member, wherein the needle butt is clamped between the upper insertion-support member and the lower insertion-support member, and a support member is arranged below the latch needle. By using the above device, the latch needle warp knitting machine may adjust, during knitting, a height of each knitting needle according to technology requirements, thereby enriching a pattern type of latch needle warp knitted fabrics, and in addition, the device is wide in adjustment range, and therefore is high in selectivity.(Fig.1)