Projected Stitch Pattern Sewing Without a Hoop
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sewing machines require a hoop to project embroidery patterns, limiting their usability and convenience for sewing utility and decorative stitch patterns.
Innovation Solution
A sewing machine equipped with a projector that projects a pattern image onto the workpiece without a hoop, allowing for the projection of utility and decorative stitch patterns, and a controller that controls the feed unit, sewing unit, and projector to sew the pattern in the expected size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a hoop is used to project embroidery patterns, then the pattern projection is stable, but the ease of operation and convenience are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the hoop from the sewing system entirely. The projector is mounted directly on the sewing machine body, and the workpiece is secured using the machine's existing presser foot mechanism rather than requiring a separate hoop. This extraction of the hoop component directly improves ease of operation while maintaining pattern projection stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the sewing machine body serve multiple functions: it supports both the sewing mechanism and the pattern projection system. The projector is integrated into the machine body, allowing the same structure to perform both sewing and pattern guidance functions, thereby eliminating the need for separate hoop support structures.
2Ease of operation
If utility and decorative stitch patterns are sewn without a hoop, then the ease of operation is improved, but the manufacturing precision and pattern accuracy may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The projector provides real-time visual feedback of the pattern design directly on the workpiece surface. This allows the operator to see the exact position and orientation of stitches being formed, enabling immediate correction of positioning errors. The visual feedback mechanism ensures high pattern accuracy without requiring a hoop to maintain tension or position.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical hoop system with an optical projection system. Instead of using a hoop to physically constrain and position the workpiece, the system uses projected images to guide the stitching process. This substitution of mechanical constraint with optical guidance maintains or improves precision while enhancing operational convenience.
3Device complexity
If the projector is integrated into the sewing machine, then the device complexity is reduced, but the use of energy and power consumption may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the projector and sewing machine into a single integrated system. The projector is mounted on the machine body and shares the same power supply and control system. This merging of functions reduces overall device complexity and eliminates the need for separate power sources, while the shared electrical components help manage power consumption efficiently.
Data Source
AI summary
A sewing machine determines a pattern from multiple patterns, as a first pattern. The sewing machine generates a projection image including a first image representing a sewing image of the first pattern in a sewing expected size thereof. The sewing machine projects the generated projection image onto a projection area. The sewing machine sews the first pattern on a workpiece in the sewing expected size based on pattern data for the first pattern.