Sewing Machine Control Disk for Multi-Function Drive
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern sewing machines require multiple mechanical drives to perform various functions simultaneously or in synchronization, leading to increased production costs and space requirements within the machine housing, while also necessitating safety and control mechanisms to prevent collisions.
Innovation Solution
A cam disk with curved paths on both its periphery and faces is used to superimpose and switch drive functions through a specific turning range, allowing all functions to be performed on a single shaft powered by a single drive, ensuring synchronized operation and preventing potential damages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple individual drives are used to control different functions, then each function can be performed independently, but the production cost and space requirement within the machine housing increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single drive unit is designed to perform multiple functions through different cam disks. Each cam disk can be configured with different cam profiles to control various sewing machine functions, allowing one drive to replace multiple individual drives while maintaining functional independence through interchangeable cam disks
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple cam disks are combined on a single drive shaft, with each cam disk controlling a different function. The cam disks are arranged axially and can be independently adjusted along the shaft, enabling simultaneous control of multiple functions by one drive unit and reducing the overall number of drive mechanisms required
2Ease of operation
If multiple individual drives are used to control different functions, then each function can be controlled separately, but the control requirement and space within the machine housing increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple cam disks are nested axially on a single drive shaft, with each cam disk containing its own control logic and cam profiles. This nested arrangement allows separate control of multiple functions within a compact space, as each cam disk can be independently adjusted and configured without requiring separate drive units
3Device complexity
If a single drive is used to perform multiple functions, then production cost and space requirement are reduced, but synchronized operation and safety control mechanisms are necessary
Solution Approach 1:
The cam disks are pre-configured with precisely calculated cam profiles that encode the required timing and sequence for each function. This preliminary design ensures that when the single drive rotates, all functions are automatically activated at the correct moments in the proper sequence, providing inherent synchronization without requiring additional control mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
A device for operating several sewing functions is provided with a single control disk with curved paths arranged peripherally and facially on the control disk for acting radially and axially. The control disk is driven by a stepper motor and allows individual or several functions to be executed during the rotary movement as well as temporarily stopping others.