Overlock Sewing Machine Single Switch Cover Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing overlock sewing machines require multiple switches to detect the open/closed states of looper and side covers, leading to complex wiring and increased costs, while also having additional covers that complicate the system.
Innovation Solution
An overlock sewing machine design that uses a single switch to detect the open/closed states of both the looper cover and side cover, employing a detection lever and spring mechanism to enable or disable the motor based on the position of these covers, simplifying the structure and reducing the need for multiple switches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple switches are used to detect the open/closed state of looper cover and side cover, then the detection accuracy is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple cover detection functions into a single switch mechanism. The switch is positioned to detect both the looper cover and side cover states simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate switches for each cover while maintaining accurate detection of their open/closed states.
Solution Approach 2:
The single switch is designed with multi-functional capability to detect the states of multiple covers (looper cover and side cover). This universal detection mechanism allows one component to perform the function of what would traditionally require multiple separate components, reducing overall system complexity.
2Reliability
If multiple switches are used to detect the threading state, then the reliability is improved, but the wiring complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the threading state detection function with the cover detection function into a single switch mechanism. The switch detects both cover positions and threading state simultaneously, consolidating multiple detection functions into one component and reducing wiring requirements while maintaining reliable operation.
3Device complexity
If a single switch is used to detect multiple cover states, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a detection lever as an intermediary mechanism between the covers and the switch. This lever translates the positional states of multiple covers into distinct switch activation patterns, enabling the single switch to accurately differentiate between various cover configurations (both closed, one open, both open) without sacrificing detection precision.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3(A)~3(B)
AI summary
A single switch is required to detect looper cover and side cover open/closed states and to detect switching of a threading state. With the overlock sewing machine, when a switching mechanism is switched to a threading-enabled state, and the looper cover is closed, the looper cover is slid toward one side in the hinge shaft axial direction so as to operate a detection lever. In the non-operating state, the detection lever is set to an initial position where it does not press an operation protrusion of a switch. When the side cover is closed, and the detection lever is operated, the operation lever is set to an operation-enabled position where it presses the operation protrusion. When the operation lever is operated, and the side cover is opened, the detection lever is set by passing through the operation-enabled to the operation-disabled position where it does not press the operation protrusion.