Computer-Controlled Quilting Machine Stylus Input
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Computer-controlled quilting machines lack the ability to allow users to easily input custom patterns in real time, requiring physical movement of the sewing machine, which can be cumbersome and result in uneven patterns, and they often produce generic, perfectly controlled stitching that lacks the charm of hand-quilted objects.
Innovation Solution
A quilting machine that uses a stylus to track freehand inputs and automatically creates a sewing path, allowing real-time quilting of patterns drawn by the user, with a system that includes a computer-controlled sewing machine mounted on a carriage and a user interface for pattern selection and operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a stylus is used to input patterns, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to freehand input inaccuracies
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously tracks the stylus position and provides real-time feedback by displaying the drawn pattern on the screen, allowing the user to adjust their input for better accuracy while maintaining the ease of freehand operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical pattern creation with electronic signal capture from the stylus, converting physical drawing motions into digital coordinates that can be precisely controlled and displayed
2Adaptability or versatility
If the sewing machine is physically moved to record patterns, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a digital copy of the user's hand-drawn pattern through the stylus input, storing the coordinate data in memory so that the pattern can be repeatedly sewn without requiring physical repositioning of the sewing machine
Solution Approach 2:
The pattern is recorded and stored in advance through the stylus input process, allowing the sewing machine to automatically execute the pattern without requiring manual intervention during the actual quilting operation
3Productivity
If automated carriage movement is used, then productivity is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to rounded corners
Solution Approach 1:
The system monitors the stylus input in real-time and provides feedback to adjust the carriage movement, allowing the user to control corner sharpness while maintaining automated sewing operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control of the carriage movement based on real-time stylus position data, allowing the system to adapt its motion characteristics to match the user's drawing style and achieve precise corners while maintaining productivity
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-controlled quilting machine uses a hand held stylus to create the patterns which are sewn into a quilt. The machine can quilt in real time, following the movement of the stylus as a user traces any desired object or design. The machine allows a user to easily sew a desired pattern into a quilt, and also provides greater access to quilting to those persons who are unable to operate other types of quilting machines, while retaining much of the appeal of hand quilting.