Sewing Machine Remote Actuating Element for Stiff Handwheel

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sewing machines require manual and often cumbersome operation of the handwheel, which can be difficult when simultaneously positioning material for sewing, especially if the handwheel is stiff.

Innovation Solution

A sewing machine with a separate actuating element that allows for motor-driven operation of the drive part, such as a handwheel or arm shaft, from a remote position, enabling easier operation and allowing for various actuation methods like rotary controls or touchscreens, which can be integrated into the machine or as external units.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the handwheel is actuated manually during sewing, then the drive part can be positioned, but the operation becomes cumbersome and difficult when material must simultaneously be positioned in the stitch area

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of drive part actuationVSAvoidoperational complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A separate actuating element serves as an intermediary between the operator and the drive part. This actuating element can be positioned remotely from the drive part, allowing the operator to actuate the drive part without needing to be close to it or manually turn a stiff handwheel while simultaneously positioning material.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If the handwheel is made stiff to maintain precision, then positioning accuracy is improved, but manual actuation becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidease of actuation
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the direct manual mechanical actuation system with a motor-driven system. The separate actuating element triggers a motor that drives the drive part, eliminating the need for manual turning of a stiff handwheel while maintaining precise positioning control through the motor's controlled movement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If the drive part is actuated from a remote position, then operational ease is improved, but additional control mechanisms are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremote actuation capabilityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The separate actuating element acts as a remote intermediary control device. It can be arranged on or in the machine housing, or even as part of an external operating unit, allowing the operator to control the drive part from a convenient remote position without direct mechanical connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces direct mechanical coupling between the operator and drive part with a motor-driven transmission system. The actuating element controls a motor that drives the drive part through appropriate mechanical or electromagnetic transmission, enabling remote actuation while maintaining precise control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP2602371B1Sewing machine
Publication Date: 2014.04.16 DURKOPP ADLER GMBH
  • EP2602371B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2602371B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

A drive unit mechanically coupled with the needle bar drives up and down the needle bar holding the sewing needle for forming a seam in a stitch area, in which the rotation position of the drive unit can be linked with the needle-bar position during a seam formation operation. An operation element equipped with a dive motor, permits the operator to select a drive unit rotation position in advance.