Gas-conveyed Sewing Machine Threading Clutch Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing gas carrying threading devices for sewing machines require complex operations and safety devices to prevent transition from looper threading to stitch forming state during gas supply, making them difficult to use and requiring multiple hand operations.

Innovation Solution

A gas carrying threading device with a clutch mechanism that allows power transmission to either the stitch forming device or the gas supply source based on a manual operation, enabling one-handed operation and eliminating the need for safety devices by using a looper threading/stitch forming changeover mechanism.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a gas carrying threading device uses a manual operation to switch between looper threading and stitch forming states, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the clutch mechanism and changeover mechanism

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveone-handed operationVSAvoidclutch mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The clutch mechanism serves multiple functions: it transmits power from the motor to either the stitch forming device or the gas supply source, and it enables the changeover between threading and stitching modes. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate control mechanisms, thereby managing complexity while improving ease of operation.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The clutch acts as an intermediary between the motor and the two operational systems (stitch forming and gas supply). It mediates power transmission selectively, allowing the operator to switch modes without direct mechanical coupling to both systems simultaneously, simplifying the control interface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If a gas carrying threading device eliminates safety devices to simplify the structure, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability decreases due to potential unintended state transitions

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovestructureVSAvoidstate transition control
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The changeover mechanism incorporates feedback through its mechanical design, where the position of the clutch and associated linkages provide inherent feedback about the current operational state. This feedback ensures that the system transitions only when properly positioned, maintaining reliability without requiring additional safety devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanism is designed with built-in mechanical constraints and positioning features that prevent unintended state transitions before they can occur. The clutch and changeover linkages are arranged to require specific operational sequences, cushioning against erroneous transitions through mechanical design rather than safety switches.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Device complexity

If a gas carrying threading device requires multiple hand operations for threading, then the ease of operation deteriorates, but the device complexity can be reduced by eliminating advanced clutch mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclutch mechanismVSAvoidthreading operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The clutch mechanism and changeover function are merged into a single integrated assembly that responds to one manual operation. This combines the power transmission control and mode switching into one unified mechanism, allowing the operator to control both functions simultaneously with a single action, thereby improving ease of operation without proportionally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 easy, one-touch looper threading with reduced complexity and no risk of transitioning to the stitch forming state during gas supply, allowing for efficient and error-free threading operations.

Implementation Method 1

a gas supply source 40 and a hollow looper thread guide 130 which extends from the looper thread introduction mechanism 110 to a looper thread inlet 7a, 8a, 9a of the looper 7, 8, 9 and has a looper thread guide outlet 7d, 8d, 9d

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressurized gas flow: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentEP2878724B1Gas-conveyed threading device for sewing machine
Publication Date: 2018.01.31 SUZUKI MFG CO LTD
  • EP2878724B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2878724B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2878724B1 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

A safety device is not required for avoiding a transition to a stitch forming state from a looper threading state during a gas supply operation of a gas supply pump, and a threading can be performed more easily with one-touch operation to a looper by one-handed operation of small number of times on the operation for being simplified on mechanism. An engaging clutch (60) for respectively transmitting power from a sewing machine motor (M) to a drive shaft (5) driving a stitch forming device including the looper at the time of the stitch formation or to the gas supply source (40) at the time of the looper threading comprises a structure which is moved to one of a gas supply drive member (61) which transmits the power to the gas supply source and a stitch forming drive member (64) which is fastened to one end of the drive shaft and transmits the power to the stitch forming device so that approach/separation becomes free depending on a manual operation of a looper threading/stitch forming changeover manual operating portion and transmits the power from the sewing machine motor through a clutch hollow shaft (22) and retains a connecting state when connecting to the gas supply drive member.