Sewing Machine Hook Timing Apparatus for Needle Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aligning the rotation cycle of a sewing machine's hook point with the reciprocating cycle of the needle is time-consuming and cumbersome, requiring manual adjustment and visual alignment, which is not accurate or efficient.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a frame, clasping element, and spacer is used to affix to the needle bar, allowing for precise alignment of the hook point with the needle bar channel and bottom plate, enabling easier and more accurate alignment of the needle with the hook point.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual adjustment and visual alignment are used to align the hook point with the needle, then the alignment can be performed without additional apparatus, but the process is time-consuming and inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a timing apparatus as an intermediary tool between the hook point and needle. This apparatus includes a frame with a needle bar channel that receives the needle, a bottom plate with a hook point contact surface, and a spacer that sets the vertical position. The intermediary apparatus provides precise mechanical alignment without requiring manual visual adjustment, thereby improving accuracy while reducing the time needed for timing adjustment.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual adjustment is used to set hook timing, then no additional components are needed, but the complexity of the apparatus remains low while accuracy is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The timing apparatus is divided into distinct functional segments: a frame segment with needle bar channel for needle engagement, a bottom plate segment with hook point contact for positioning, and a spacer segment for vertical spacing. Each segment performs a specific function and can be independently manufactured and assembled. This segmentation allows for precise manufacturing of each component while keeping the overall structure manageable and not excessively complex.
3Productivity
If the hook point is manually aligned with the needle bar channel, then the apparatus structure remains simple, but the alignment process becomes cumbersome and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus performs preliminary alignment actions through its mechanically designed components. The needle bar channel is pre-formed to receive and guide the needle, the bottom plate is pre-configured with the hook point contact surface at the correct vertical position, and the spacer is pre-set to the appropriate spacing. When assembled, these pre-configured components automatically align the hook point with the needle bar channel without requiring manual adjustment operations, thereby improving both productivity and ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
Presented is an apparatus and method for hook timing. An exemplary apparatus includes a frame, the frame having a top portion and a bottom portion, the top portion having a needle bar channel, and a spacer, the spacer moveable relative to the frame to overlay a portion of the top portion of the frame. The apparatus further including a clasping element connected to the frame and operable to change an effective diameter of a portion of the channel, and a bottom plate, the bottom plate connected to the bottom portion of the frame.