Open-Recess Knitting Tools for Left-Left Stitch Production
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional knitting machines face challenges in producing left-left knitwear efficiently due to the need for complex mechanisms and high susceptibility to wear and dirt, which reduces productivity and increases manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
The method employs simple, robust knitting tools with open recesses for thread insertion and resilient parts, allowing for synchronous movement of tools to form two rows of stitches in each cycle without moving parts, reducing wear and dirt susceptibility and manufacturing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional knitting machines use complex mechanisms with moving parts to produce left-left knitwear, then the ability to form stitches is achieved, but wear and dirt susceptibility increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The knitting tool is divided into two groups of knitting tools (first group and second group), where each group forms stitches independently. This segmentation allows parallel operation of multiple knitting tools, increasing productivity while each individual tool maintains simple construction with no moving parts, ensuring reliability
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using traditional latch needles with movable hooks that close recesses, the invention uses knitting tools with open recesses that never close. The stitch formation is inverted by pushing the thread through the loop from the opposite direction through the open recess, eliminating the need for moving parts while maintaining stitch formation capability
2Productivity
If conventional knitting machines use complex mechanisms and transfer processes to produce left-left knitwear, then complete rows of stitches can be formed, but additional needle lifts and transfer operations are required reducing productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the functions of stitch formation and row completion into a single operational cycle. Two groups of knitting tools work simultaneously and cooperatively, with each group forming complete rows of stitches independently without requiring transfer operations between groups, thereby eliminating additional needle lifts and transfer processes
Solution Approach 2:
Each knitting tool in both groups is designed with universal functionality to form both left and right rows of stitches. The knitting tools can alternate between forming left rows and right rows, making the system multi-functional and eliminating the need for specialized transfer mechanisms
3Reliability
If knitting tools with closed recesses (latch needles) are used to form stitches, then stitch formation is achieved, but the tools become susceptible to wear and require higher manufacturing precision
Solution Approach 1:
The invention inverts the traditional stitch formation mechanism by using open recesses instead of closed recesses. The knitting tools have simple open recesses without movable closing parts, and the thread is pushed through the loop from the opposite direction, eliminating wear-prone components while reducing manufacturing precision requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The knitting tools are designed with simple, robust construction using open recesses that can be manufactured more cheaply and with lower precision requirements. While individual tools may have limited service life, their simplicity and low cost allow for easy replacement, making the system economically viable
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
Threads are pushed, using knitting tools of one group, through penetrative openings (7) in knitting tools of the second group. This action pushes the threads through stitches held on knitting tools of the second group. Knitting tools in individual group(s), move synchronously. Knitting tools of both groups, move asynchronously with respect to each other, in each group. Threads forming a left-left knit, are introduced in alternation, into the knitting tool of one group and into the knitting tool of the other group. Threads forming a right-left knit or a left-right knit are introduced only into the knitting tool of one group. During knitting, a formed row of half stitches is transferred from knitting tools of one group onto those of the other group. The knitting tools are moved back and forth. Those of one group are moved in a direction differing from that in which those of the other group are moved. One group moves transversely across the other. Knitting tools of one group tilt, in addition to their linear movements. The knitting tool has a body (2) with two limbs symmetrical about a central plane, which each include a thread shoulder (10a, 10b). The limbs are curved and resilient. Together they form the penetrative opening between themselves. The shoulders interrupt the sides of the limbs. Thread guidance grooves (13a, 13b) are situated in the outer faces of the limbs. Limb tips (8a, 8b) touch. The edge opposite the shoulders is recessed (14). There is a thread guide inside each limb. An independent claim IS INCLUDED FOR the knitting tool.