Sewing Machine Operation Panel Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The operability of sewing machine operation panels is not optimized, leading to inefficiencies in user interaction and machine control.

Innovation Solution

A sewing machine with multiple operation panels and a sewing machine controller that communicates with each panel to receive operation data and control the sewing machine's operation parts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a single operation panel is used, then the device complexity is low, but the operability and ease of operation deteriorate due to limited control capabilities

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperability of operation panelVSAvoidnumber of operation panels
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The operation panel is divided into multiple independent panels, each capable of controlling different functions or parameters of the sewing machine. This segmentation allows operators to access specific controls more easily without navigating through a single complex interface, thereby improving operability while distributing the complexity across multiple simpler units.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple operation panels are designed to work together as a unified system, where each panel can handle specific operations but collectively they provide comprehensive control over all sewing machine functions. This multi-functionality approach enables each panel to be simpler in design while the system as a whole maintains high operability through coordinated operation.

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

2Ease of operation

If multiple operation panels are added to improve operability, then the ease of operation increases, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperability of operation panelVSAvoidcommunication system between panels
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple operation panels are merged into a unified control system through a communication network, allowing them to function as a single integrated interface. The controller coordinates information exchange between panels, enabling operators to access comprehensive controls across multiple panels without managing separate independent systems, thus improving operability while managing complexity through centralized coordination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

A controller acts as an intermediary between multiple operation panels and the sewing machine's control systems. This mediator manages communication protocols, data exchange, and coordinate control commands across panels, thereby improving overall operability while containing communication complexity within a dedicated management layer rather than distributing it across all panel connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4502261A1Sewing machine and sewing machine management system
Publication Date: 2025.02.05 JUKI CORP
  • EP4502261A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4502261A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4502261A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The operability of an operation panel is improved. A sewing machine includes a plurality of operation panels, and a sewing machine controller configured to perform communication with each of the plurality of operation panels and receive operation data generated according to an operation on at least one of the operation panels to control a sewing machine operation part.