Sewing Machine Embroidery Frame Control via Mouse Input

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional sewing machines make it difficult for users unfamiliar with free-motion sewing to accurately move the work cloth to a desired position and maintain uniform stitch lengths, especially when the stitch pattern is unsuitable for free-motion sewing, leading to unattractive and uneven stitches.

Innovation Solution

A sewing machine equipped with a needle bar, embroidery frame, and user-operated movement mechanisms, including a mouse and touch panel, that allow for precise control of the embroidery frame's movement based on user input, enabling uniform stitch lengths and improved stitch placement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If free-motion sewing is performed manually without automated control, then the work cloth can be moved freely in any direction, but it becomes difficult for users unfamiliar with free-motion sewing to accurately move the work cloth to a desired position and maintain uniform stitch lengths

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefreedom of movementVSAvoidstitch placement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a mouse as an intermediary device between the user and the embroidery frame movement. The mouse captures user input movements and translates them into precise control signals that drive the embroidery frame movement mechanism, serving as a mediator that bridges manual operation and automated precision control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the purely manual mechanical manipulation of the work cloth with an automated embroidery frame movement mechanism controlled by electronic signals from the mouse. This substitution transforms manual free-motion sewing into a semi-automated process where the frame movement is precisely controlled while maintaining the freedom of design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If free-motion sewing is performed manually, then the work cloth can be moved freely, but the stitch lengths become non-uniform and unattractive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational freedomVSAvoidstitch length uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback by displaying the stitch trajectory on a liquid crystal display device in real-time as the user moves the mouse. This visual feedback allows users to see the path that will be stitched, enabling them to adjust their mouse movements to achieve uniform stitch lengths and desired patterns, effectively bridging the gap between manual operation and precision control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If the stitch pattern is unsuitable for free-motion sewing, then conventional sewing machines can still stitch the pattern, but a beautiful stitch shape cannot be obtained when the feed dog is in drop feed state

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepattern compatibilityVSAvoidstitch shape quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the embroidery frame movement dynamic and adjustable based on the selected stitch pattern. The movement determination device calculates appropriate movement directions and distances based on the stitch pattern type, allowing the system to adapt its behavior dynamically. This enables both suitable and unsuitable patterns to achieve beautiful stitch shapes by adjusting the frame movement characteristics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Manufacturing precision

If automated control is introduced to improve stitch placement accuracy, then uniform stitch lengths can be achieved, but the device complexity increases with additional control mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestitch placement accuracyVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the embroidery frame movement mechanism multi-functional by enabling it to operate in both automated modes (following pre-stored patterns with precise movement control) and free-motion modes (controlled by mouse input). This universality allows a single mechanism to handle diverse sewing requirements without requiring separate specialized systems, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS7971543B2Sewing machine and computer-readable recording medium storing sewing machine operation program

Publication Date: 2011.07.05 BROTHER KOGYO KK

AI summary

A sewing machine includes a needle bar, a needle bar vertical movement mechanism, a sewing machine motor for driving the needle bar vertical movement mechanism as a drive source, an embroidery frame that holds a work cloth, and an embroidery frame movement mechanism that moves the embroidery frame. The sewing machine further includes a user-operated operation device with an operation member for outputting an output signal corresponding to an operation state of the operation member and a movement determination device that determines a movement direction and a movement distance of the embroidery frame based on the output signal outputted by the operation device. The sewing machine also includes an embroidery frame movement mechanism control device that drives the embroidery frame movement mechanism to move the embroidery frame according to the movement direction and the movement distance of the embroidery frame.