Sewing Machine Projector for Tapering Pattern Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sewing machines face difficulties in forming a tapering pattern at the intended position, especially when measuring curved portions or when the sewing workpiece expands or contracts.
Innovation Solution
A sewing machine equipped with a bed, a projector, a needle bar, an actuator, and a controller, which projects a projection image representing the tapering pattern onto the sewing workpiece, allowing for precise control of the needle bar, feed dog, and actuator to sew the pattern continuously.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the sewing machine uses conventional measurement methods to determine tapering pattern position, then the measurement process is simple, but the positioning accuracy deteriorates when the workpiece expands or contracts or has curved portions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanical measurement system with an optical projection system. The projector displays the tapering pattern directly on the workpiece, allowing the user to visually confirm the pattern position and dimensions before sewing begins. This optical approach eliminates the need for complex mechanical measurements while maintaining high positioning accuracy even when the workpiece expands, contracts, or has curved portions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary projection of the tapering pattern onto the workpiece before the actual sewing operation. By displaying the pattern in advance, the user can verify the position and make adjustments if needed. This preliminary action ensures that the tapering pattern is sewn at the intended location even if the workpiece dimensions change during the sewing process.
2Manufacturing precision
If the sewing machine projects the tapering pattern before sewing starts, then the user can confirm the pattern position, but the sewing time increases due to additional setup
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains continuity of useful action by seamlessly integrating the projection phase with the sewing operation. The projector remains active during the entire process, allowing the user to confirm the pattern position without interrupting the workflow. The transition from projection to sewing is smooth and continuous, minimizing idle time while ensuring positioning accuracy.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the sewing machine uses fixed measurement points, then the measurement process is straightforward, but it cannot accommodate workpiece expansion or contraction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic projection system that can adapt to workpiece dimension changes. Rather than using fixed measurement points, the projector displays the tapering pattern that automatically adjusts to the actual workpiece dimensions. This dynamic approach allows the system to accommodate workpiece expansion, contraction, or deformation while maintaining ease of operation, as the user simply needs to observe the projected pattern and confirm its position.
Data Source
AI summary
A controller of a sewing machine acquires sewing data for forming a utility pattern continuously in a first direction, acquires a condition for sewing a tapering pattern including a tapering portion, generates a projection image representing the tapering pattern based on the sewing data and the condition, controls a needle bar, a feed dog, and an actuator in accordance with the sewing data to sew the utility pattern continuously in the first direction, after starting sewing of the utility pattern, controls a projector to project the projection image at a planned sewing position of the tapering pattern in a planned sewing size, and performs a tapering pattern sewing operation of, after starting projection of the projection image, controlling the needle bar, the feed dog, and the actuator in accordance with the sewing data and the condition to sew the tapering pattern that is continuous with the utility pattern.