Sewing Machine Fabric Folding Guide Member Retraction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sewing machines with fabric folding devices struggle to consistently retract the guide member to avoid interference with the start point of a seam during tubular fabric hemming, leading to variations in finished products due to human factors in optical detection methods.
Innovation Solution
A sewing machine with a retraction detection member featuring a pair of electric contacts that switch states upon abutment with the seam start point, automatically retracting the guide member to prevent interference, ensuring consistent timing and quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If optical detection method is used to detect the start point of seam, then the guide member can be retracted, but the retraction timing varies due to human factors affecting detection consistency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the optical detection system with an electrical contact detection system. The start point detection member includes electric contacts that physically contact the seam start point, generating an electrical signal for retraction control. This mechanical-electrical substitution eliminates human factor interference in detection timing while maintaining system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The seam start point itself serves as the detection trigger through direct physical contact with the electric contacts. The seam structure automatically activates the detection mechanism without requiring external sensing systems, achieving self-detection and consistent retraction timing.
2Manufacturing precision
If the guide member is retracted using optical detection, then interference with seam start point can be avoided, but variations in hemming quality occur due to human factors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual or optical detection operations with an automatic electrical contact detection system. The electric contacts automatically detect the seam start point and trigger retraction, eliminating human factor variations in detection timing and improving hemming quality consistency.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical contact detection system provides immediate feedback when the seam start point contacts the detection member. This feedback mechanism ensures consistent retraction timing by automatically responding to the physical presence of the seam start point, eliminating human reaction time variations.
3Ease of operation
If manual retraction of the guide member is performed, then flexibility in operation is achieved, but inconsistency in retraction timing occurs due to operator skill differences
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system performs self-detection through direct contact between the seam start point and electric contacts. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual intervention while ensuring consistent retraction timing, regardless of operator skill level.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual retraction operations with an automated system triggered by electrical contacts. The mechanical action of seam contact automatically initiates retraction, providing both operational simplicity and timing consistency without relying on operator judgment or skill.
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
The solution ensures precise and consistent retraction of the guide member, reducing variations in hemming quality and eliminating human factor-induced errors, resulting in consistent sewing product quality.
Implementation Method 1
a retraction detection member (5) located on the front side of the guide member (42) and including a pair of electric contacts (5a) that enable electric conduction by contacting with each other
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a sewing machine including: a fabric folding device that includes a guide member that is movable relative to the fabric and a stationary member that is located adjacent to the guide member; and a retraction detection member that is located on a front side of the guide member and includes a pair of electric contacts that enable electric conduction by contacting with each other, the retraction detection member being configured to switch the operational state of the pair of electric contacts by abutment of a start point of a hemming seam with the retraction detection member in association with movement of the fabric in sewing the fabric. The guide member is moved by switching the operational state of the pair of electric contacts so as to retract from a path of the start point moved along with movement of the fabric.