Compact Quilting Frame Assembly with Segmented Stitching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional machine quilting frames require extensive space and basting of fabric layers, limiting their usability for larger quilts and making the process cumbersome, especially for quilters with limited space.

Innovation Solution

A compact quilting frame assembly that includes a frame support structure, first and second frame elements, and machine carriage assembly, allowing the quilt core to be draped and secured on all sides without rolling, enabling segmented stitching and flexible positioning for larger quilts within a smaller space.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a traditional quilting frame is used to accommodate large quilts, then the quilting capacity is improved, but the space required increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvequilting capacityVSAvoidspace required

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The quilting process is divided into segments where the quilt is quilted in sections rather than requiring the entire quilt to be accommodated simultaneously. The frame only needs to hold the working section, allowing compact dimensions while maintaining ability to quilt large quilts through multiple passes and repositioning operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Stability of the object's composition

If fabric layers are basted together before quilting, then the layers remain stable during handling, but the preparation time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelayer stabilityVSAvoidpreparation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The frame structure is designed to perform preliminary stabilization actions through its inherent clamping and tensioning mechanisms. The frame itself provides the stabilizing function that would otherwise require basting, by securing fabric layers through its clamping arms and tensioning systems, thereby eliminating the need for separate basting preparation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If the fabric is rolled onto a take-up rail, then the quilted area is advanced, but the frame length must exceed the quilt width

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvequilting efficiencyVSAvoidframe length

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of advancing fabric primarily in the longitudinal direction through a long frame, the system utilizes lateral movement of the sewing machine carriage and vertical take-up motion. This multi-dimensional approach allows compact frame dimensions while maintaining ability to quilt large areas through coordinated movements in multiple directions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS11668035B2Quilting frame and clip assembly

Publication Date: 2023.06.06 GRACEWOOD MANAGEMENT INC

AI summary

A quilting frame assembly for machine quilting of a quilt core using a quilting machine, the quilting frame assembly having a quilting frame with a first frame element and a second frame element, a machine carriage assembly, a plurality of first element clips, and one or more second element clips, each first element clip being u-shaped, spring biased and reciprocating, and having a plurality of first clip inside frame receiver facets dimensioned and positioned to engage with two or more first frame cross-sectional corners of a first frame element member, and each second element clip being u-shaped, spring biased and reciprocating, and having a plurality of second clip inside frame receiver facets dimensioned and positioned to engage with two or more second frame cross-sectional corners of a second frame element member.