Sewing Machine Foot Controller with Depression Suppression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Low-cost sewing machines lack a safety mechanism to prevent abrupt starting due to unintended operation errors, such as sudden depression of the foot controller, which can be dangerous for users.
Innovation Solution
A foot controller design featuring a pedal portion that pivots freely, a speed control member, and a depression suppression mechanism with a depression suppression arm and stopper portion to regulate the depression speed, preventing abrupt starting by locking the pedal portion when an abrupt speed change is detected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a foot controller is used to enable comfortable sewing operation, then ease of operation is improved, but safety deteriorates due to possibility of abrupt starting from careless operation
Solution Approach 1:
The depression suppression member is pre-positioned to counteract abrupt depression forces before they can trigger the speed control member. When the pedal is depressed too quickly, the suppression member engages to resist and regulate the motion, preventing the harmful abrupt starting effect before it occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The depression suppression member acts as an intermediary element between the pedal and the speed control member. It mediates the transmission of depression force, allowing normal operation to pass through while blocking or regulating abnormal abrupt depression forces, thus protecting the system from harmful operations.
2Reliability
If electric means are used to secure safety against operation errors, then safety is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The depression suppression member is designed to automatically engage and disengage based on the depression speed itself, without requiring external sensors or control systems. The mechanical structure self-regulates by using the kinetic energy and force characteristics of the abrupt depression to trigger its own protective action, eliminating the need for complex electronic detection and control circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces expensive electronic safety systems with a simple, inexpensive mechanical component. The depression suppression member can be manufactured at very low cost using basic machining processes, making safety features accessible in low-cost sewing machines without requiring complex electronics or expensive materials.
3Reliability
If a depression suppression member is added to regulate depressing operation, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The depression suppression member is integrated into the existing foot controller structure, combining multiple functions within a unified mechanical assembly. The suppression member shares space and structural elements with other components, such as utilizing the pedal stand and pivot portion as part of the suppression mechanism, thereby minimizing the increase in overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The depression suppression member is strategically positioned only at the critical location where abrupt depression forces are transmitted to the speed control member. Rather than adding complex safety mechanisms throughout the entire device, the suppression function is localized to the specific area where it is most needed, minimizing overall structural complexity while maintaining safety.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Ensures user safety by preventing the sewing machine from starting abruptly during unintended operation errors, allowing safe operation at normal depression speeds while locking the pedal portion during abrupt depressions.
Implementation Method 1
the depression suppression arm is elastically biased so as to make contact with the depression guide portion
Data Source
AI summary
A foot controller includes: a pedal portion that is to be depressed by a foot thereon; a pedal stand on which one end of the pedal portion is supported so that the pedal portion freely pivots about a pivot portion; a speed control member that controls an operation speed of a sewing machine; and a depression suppression member that regulates and controls a depressing operation of the pedal portion in accordance with the depression speed of the pedal portion. In response to a depressing operation which does not involve an abrupt speed change of the pedal portion, the depression suppression member is not operated and the operation speed of the sewing machine is controlled according to an amount of depression of the pedal portion. In response to a depressing operation which involves an abrupt speed change of the pedal portion, the depression suppression member is operated.