Sequential Knitting of Conductive Pathways in Garments
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing knitting techniques for garments require separate feeders for each yarn extending parallel to the torso axis, complicating the process and increasing equipment and space requirements, especially when incorporating conductive pathways for physiological signal monitoring.
Innovation Solution
A method of knitting where rows or courses are formed parallel to the garment axis, allowing distinctive yarns to define pathways sequentially, enabling the use of a single yarn feeder and facilitating the integration of conductive pathways for sensor connections in garments like vests and sleeves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate feeders are provided for each yarn extending parallel to the torso axis, then each yarn pathway can be independently controlled, but the equipment complexity and space requirements significantly increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single yarn feeder is designed to perform multiple functions by sequentially serving different yarn pathways. The feeder can be repositioned or reconfigured to feed different yarns at different stages of the knitting process, eliminating the need for dedicated feeders for each pathway while maintaining independent control capability
Solution Approach 2:
The knitting process employs dynamic yarn incorporation where the yarn feeder's position and function change during the knitting cycle. Yarns are incorporated seriatim (one after another) rather than simultaneously, allowing a single feeder to dynamically serve multiple pathways at different times
2Manufacturing precision
If separate feeders are provided for each yarn pathway, then each pathway can be precisely manufactured, but the space requirements and equipment size increase substantially
Solution Approach 1:
A single yarn feeder serves multiple yarn pathways sequentially, reducing the spatial footprint of feeding equipment while maintaining precise pathway definition through controlled yarn incorporation timing and position
Solution Approach 2:
The knitting process transitions from simultaneous multi-pathway feeding in the horizontal plane to sequential feeding that utilizes the time dimension, allowing precise pathway definition through temporal sequencing rather than spatial distribution of multiple feeders
3Productivity
If multiple yarn feeders are used for multiple pathways, then all pathways can be knitted simultaneously, but the overall knitting speed and productivity are reduced due to equipment complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves high productivity through dynamic sequential yarn incorporation where a single feeder rapidly cycles through multiple pathways in succession. The seriatim incorporation method allows continuous knitting motion while defining multiple pathways, avoiding the speed limitations imposed by coordinating multiple independent feeders
Data Source
AI summary
In a method of knitting a garment having a defined axis (A), the knitting layers are formed in a direction parallel to the axis. Pathways (8) defined by distinctive yarns extending substantially parallel to the axis are incorporated in the knitting process seriatim, each distinctive yarn being knitted into its respective pathway using the same yarn feeder. The distinctive yarns are normally conductive, to provide connections to sensors (6) located on the garment, and such sensors may themselves be an integral part of the garment fabric.