Sewing Machine Needle Feed Mechanism with Selective Disengagement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Sewing machines with needle feed mechanisms lack flexibility in material transport methods, limiting user options for different sewing materials and requirements.

Innovation Solution

A sewing machine with a selectively deactivatable needle bar feed system, allowing manual or automated material transport via a feeder, using an adjustable pull rod and pivot screw assembly for flexible operation in single or multi-needle configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the needle bar feed system is fixed and always active, then the sewing machine can consistently transport sewing material, but the machine lacks flexibility to adapt to different sewing materials and requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility in material transportVSAvoidcomplexity of feed system
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pull rod is designed to be selectively positionable between a first position where it connects to the needle transport lever (enabling needle feed) and a second position where it disconnects (disabling needle feed). This dynamic reconfigurability allows the same machine to adapt to different sewing requirements without adding complex separate systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The pull rod serves multiple functions: it acts as a connecting element when needle feed is needed, and as a disconnecting element when manual or alternative feed is required. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for different feed modes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the needle bar feed system is made adjustable and selectively deactivatable, then the machine can adapt to different sewing requirements, but the structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveselective deactivation capabilityVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pull rod is integrated with the existing needle bar mechanism rather than being a separate control system. The same pull rod that transmits motion for needle feed also serves as the disconnecting element when positioned in the second position, merging the driving and disengaging functions into a single component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses a simple two-position dynamic configuration of the pull rod to enable or disable needle feed functionality. This dynamic switching mechanism avoids complex multi-position controls or additional actuating systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If the pull rod is made adjustable between different positions, then the machine gains flexibility for different transport methods, but the ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransport method flexibilityVSAvoidoperation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The operator can directly position the pull rod without requiring additional actuating mechanisms or complex control procedures. The pull rod's design allows for straightforward manual positioning between the two functional positions, making the adjustment process simple and intuitive.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP2206818B1Sewing machine
Publication Date: 2011.05.18 DURKOPP ADLER GMBH
  • EP2206818B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2206818B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2206818B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5

AI summary

The machine has a transport device comprising a driving lever (78) rigidly connected with a transport drive device. A connecting rod (81) is jointly connected with the driving lever. A needle transport lever (83) stays in transport connection with needle bars. The connecting rod is shifted between a transport position and a neutral position. The connecting rod stays in transport drive connection with the needle transport lever in a joint manner in the transport position. The connecting rod does not perform a drive effect on the transport lever in the neutral position.