Sewing Machine Upper Decoration Mechanism with Retractable Spreader

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing double chain stitch sewing machines require the upper decoration mechanism to be detached for performing double chain stitches without decoration thread, leading to reduced workability and risks of losing or breaking the mechanism.

Innovation Solution

A double chain stitch sewing machine equipped with an upper decoration mechanism that includes a transmission mechanism to switch the spreader between expanded and retracted states, eliminating the need to detach the mechanism, and ensuring high workability for both decorated and undecorated stitching.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the upper decoration mechanism is attached when performing double chain stitch without decoration thread, then the decoration function is available, but the mechanism becomes obstructive and workability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedecoration function availabilityVSAvoidworkability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The spreader is designed to be movable between an extended position (for upper decoration sewing) and a retracted position (for double chain stitch without decoration thread). This dynamic positioning allows the mechanism to adapt to different sewing modes without requiring detachment, resolving the contradiction between maintaining decoration function availability and ensuring ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the upper decoration mechanism is detached when performing double chain stitch without decoration thread, then workability is improved, but the mechanism may be lost, broken, or damaged during storage

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveworkabilityVSAvoidmechanism safety
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The movable spreader design eliminates the need for detachment while maintaining workability. The spreader can be retracted to a safe position that prevents obstruction during double chain stitch without decoration thread, yet remains securely attached to the sewing machine, thereby preventing loss, breakage, or damage during storage and operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The spreader can be retracted into a compact position within the sewing machine structure, effectively nesting the decoration mechanism when not in use. This nested configuration protects the mechanism from damage while keeping it integrated with the machine, avoiding the risks associated with complete detachment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the upper decoration mechanism is repeatedly attached and detached, then adaptability to different sewing modes is achieved, but time is lost and operational efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesewing mode flexibilityVSAvoidoperation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The movable spreader design provides seamless transition between sewing modes through simple position changes rather than repeated attachment and detachment operations. This dynamic positioning system maintains adaptability to different sewing modes while eliminating the time loss associated with mechanical attachment and detachment, thereby improving operational efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4089219B1Sewing machine with an upper decoration mechanism
Publication Date: 2025.01.22 JANOME CORP
  • EP4089219B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4089219B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4089219B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention provides an upper decoration mechanism and a sewing machine without requiring an operation of detaching the upper decoration mechanism from the sewing machine without reducing workability even when performing a double chain stitch not using a decoration thread. An upper decoration mechanism 2 provided on a sewing machine 1 includes an expansion retraction mechanism configured to switch a spreader 14 between an expanded state where the spreader 14 cooperates with needles 4, 5 and 6 for performing an upper decoration sewing and a retracted state where the spreader 14 is separated from the needles 4, 5 and 6.