Sewing Machine Operator Presence Detection and Status Notification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Operators are burdened with the need to constantly monitor sewing machines with embroidery mechanisms, as they must be present to observe stitch states and exchange needle threads, which is time-consuming and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A sewing machine equipped with a display, sensor, and notice device that allows operators to be notified of the machine's status through a light-emitting LED display and sound notice device, even when outside the detection area, using a CPU to control the display and sensor to indicate progress and alert for thread changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the operator constantly monitors the sewing machine to observe stitch state and exchange needle threads, then the sewing quality and thread change timing are ensured, but the operator's workload increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where a sensor detects the operator's presence in the detection area, and based on this feedback, the control unit selectively activates either the display or the notice device. This automated feedback loop eliminates the need for constant operator monitoring while ensuring that information is delivered through the appropriate channel, thereby maintaining sewing quality without increasing operator burden.
Solution Approach 2:
The sewing machine performs self-service by automatically detecting operator presence and selecting the appropriate information delivery method. The machine autonomously determines whether to use the display or notice device based on sensor input, reducing reliance on continuous operator attention and enabling the operator to perform other tasks simultaneously.
2Loss of information
If the operator stays in front of the sewing machine to monitor stitching, then real-time observation is possible, but the operator cannot be elsewhere and mobility is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of the sensor, control unit, and notice device that mediates between the sewing machine's operational status and the operator. This intermediary automatically transmits stitch state information to the operator when they are outside the detection area, eliminating the need for the operator to physically remain in front of the machine while ensuring no information is lost.
3Loss of information
If a display is provided for showing stitch state, then information is visible, but the operator must be within the display's visible area to see it
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the information delivery system into two distinct components: a display for when the operator is present in the detection area, and a notice device for when the operator is absent. This segmentation allows the system to extend its effective notification area beyond the display's visible range by using the notice device to convey essential status information to operators located elsewhere.
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
Enables operators to recognize the sewing machine's status and receive notifications about thread changes without being physically present, reducing the burden and increasing efficiency by using a wider visual and audible notification area.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor sensing a person being in a sensor detectable area predetermined around the sewing machine
Implementation Method 2
said notice device is a light emitting display like as a LED display visually notifying said condition of the sewing machine
Data Source
AI summary
In one preferred mode, the operator selects by the touch panel 2 a pattern from the displayed patterns on the display 1 and starts the embroidery by operation of the start/stop switch. The CPU 10 is checking the detection signal from the sensor 3 and when the signal is on, the CPU 10 keeps the display 1 in operation. When the operator goes out from the sensor detectable area 60, the signal of the sensor 3 disappears and the CPU 10 generates the LED display 4 indicating the progress of the sewing. Since the operator can see the LED display 4 from the outside of the display visible area 61, the operator recognizes the conditions of the machine A.