Segmented Pick-Up Hooks for Tubular Knitting Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional methods for producing tubular knitted articles, such as socks, are labor-intensive and costly due to complex and expensive devices required for automatically picking up and transferring the articles from circular knitting machines to sewing or linking machines, often resulting in low-quality products with excessive waste.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for a circular knitting machine that uses pick-up hooks arranged in a circular ring, which engage the tubular article between adjacent needles, allowing for efficient transfer to a sewing or linking machine by overturning half-rings to join the toe edges, reducing the need for precise alignment and complex mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If traditional automatic transfer devices are used to pick up tubular articles from circular knitting machines, then automation is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The pick-up device is segmented into two independent half-rings that can operate separately. Each half-ring carries pick-up hooks that can be independently positioned and controlled, allowing simplified transfer operations while maintaining automation. This segmentation reduces the complexity of coordinating a single large circular pick-up device.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having pick-up hooks arranged in a full circle around the knitting machine, the invention inverts the approach by using two separate half-rings that approach the knitting machine from opposite sides. This inverted configuration simplifies the mechanical structure and reduces the complexity of the pick-up device while achieving the same automated transfer function.
2Extent of automation
If complex pick-up devices with circular half-rings are used, then automatic transfer is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Dividing the pick-up device into two separate half-rings reduces manufacturing complexity and cost. Each half-ring can be manufactured independently using simpler processes, and the modular design allows for easier assembly and maintenance, thereby reducing overall manufacturing costs while maintaining automated transfer capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The half-rings are designed to be movable and adjustable rather than fixed, allowing them to be positioned optimally during operation. This dynamic configuration enables the use of simpler, more cost-effective mechanisms compared to rigid circular structures, reducing manufacturing costs while achieving automated transfer.
3Reliability
If pick-up hooks are arranged in a full circular ring, then complete article engagement is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The circular arrangement of pick-up hooks is segmented into two separate half-rings, each capable of engaging a portion of the tubular article. This segmentation maintains reliable article engagement while significantly reducing the structural complexity of the pick-up device, as each half-ring is simpler to construct and control than a complete circular structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The two half-rings work together in combination to achieve complete article engagement. By coordinating the operation of both half-rings, the system achieves the same reliability as a full circular arrangement but with reduced complexity in each individual component, as each half-ring carries fewer hooks and requires less structural support.
Data Source
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AI summary
The method provides for arranging a pick-up member for the tubular knitted article (M) coaxially with the needle cylinder, when knitting has been completed. The pick-up member (23) is provided with a plurality of pick-up hooks (25A, 25B) arranged according to a circular ring subdivided into two circular half-rings that can be overturned over each other. The tubular article is engaged by the pick-up hooks while the stitches of the last course of the knitted article are still held by the needles (5) of the knitting machine. The stitches of the last curse are then removed from the needles and the tubular article is removed from the needle cylinder (3) by means of the pick-up member (23). The two half-rings of pick-up hooks are overturned one onto the other, putting one of two opposite edges of the toe of the tubular article onto the other. The two edges are then sewn or linked.