Oscillating Control Device for Linear Knitting Machines

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current oscillating control devices for thread-guide bars in linear knitting machines are complex, costly, and inflexible, leading to high manufacturing and maintenance costs, limited operating speeds, and significant vibrations due to mechanical complexity and the need for large, stressed components.

Innovation Solution

An oscillating control device with a 'push-pull' mechanism using separate actuating points to balance forces and control dynamics, featuring a support that rotates around a middle axis with main and secondary transmission means exerting pushing and pulling actions simultaneously, reducing the number of components and mechanical complexity, and incorporating dedicated motors and electronic coordination for synchronized movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If leverage systems are used to transmit oscillating movement to thread-guide bars, then the oscillating movement is achieved, but the device complexity increases and operating speed is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperating speedVSAvoidmechanical complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical leverage systems with a direct drive system where a motor (222) mounted on the thread-guide bar (202) itself generates the oscillating movement through an eccentric mechanism (224). This substitution eliminates the need for external leverage systems, reducing mechanical complexity while enabling higher operating speeds.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent divides the oscillation generation function from the main machine structure and assigns it to individual thread-guide bars through independently mounted motors. Each thread-guide bar becomes a segmented, independently controllable unit, reducing the overall mechanical complexity of the synchronization system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of manufacture

If leverage systems with many components are used, then oscillating movement is transmitted, but manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the oscillation generation function from the central machine structure and places it directly on each thread-guide bar. This extraction eliminates numerous transmission components (levers, connections, synchronization mechanisms) and reduces the total number of parts that need to be manufactured and assembled.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Each thread-guide bar becomes self-sufficient by mounting its own motor and eccentric mechanism directly on it. The thread-guide bar generates its own oscillating movement without requiring external mechanical assistance, eliminating the need for complex inter-bar transmission systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Object-affected harmful factors

If continuous direction inversion is required for oscillation, then oscillating movement is achieved, but strong vibrations are generated

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovevibrationsVSAvoidmovement control
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs counterbalancing mechanisms where weights (226) are positioned opposite the eccentric mass (224) on the motor shaft. These counterweights generate opposing forces that cancel out the vibrations produced during direction inversion, allowing smooth oscillation without strong harmful vibrations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

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 solution simplifies the machine structure, reduces costs, enhances operating speed, minimizes vibrations, and ensures high-quality knitted items by providing a balanced and controlled oscillating movement, even at high speeds, thus addressing the limitations of existing systems.

Implementation Method 1

the leverages convert the linear movement resulting from the needles into an oscillating movement for the thread-guide bars

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical leverage: Lever

Implementation Method 2

the rod acts and which has a main axis basically perpendicular to the main axis of the main body. Moreover, the support is associated to the shaft supporting it on the point of connection between the arm and the main body, which is also the center of rotation for said support

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRotation:

Data Source

PatentEP1837428B1Oscillating control device for linear knitting machines thread-guide bars
Publication Date: 2008.12.24 SANTONI SPA
  • EP1837428B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP1837428B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP1837428B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

An oscillating control device (1) for thread-guide bars (2) of linear knitting machines (60), comprising a support (5) that can rotate around a middle axis (6) to which at least one thread-guide bar (2) can be associated, movement means (10) for the support (5), and transmission means (20) operatively connected to the movement means (10) for imparting an oscillating movement to the support (5). The transmission means (20) are operatively associated to the support (5) on at least two separate actuating points (7a, 7b) for moving it with an oscillating movement in a balanced manner with respect to the middle axis (6) thereof. In particular, a pushing action and a pulling action are applied simultaneously on the two actuating points (7a, 7b) by the movement means (10) through the transmission means (20).