Automated Shoe Stitching System with Curved Drive Frame
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual stitching of shoe upper parts is labor-intensive and results in inconsistencies in shoe manufacturing, leading to inefficiencies and rejected products due to the skill variability of workers.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a stitching machine with a needle base and a positioning mechanism, including a curved drive frame and a jig, controlled by a computing device to automate the stitching process, allowing for precise alignment and consistent stitch patterns on an embroidery machine.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual stitching is used by workers, then flexibility in handling different shoe parts is maintained, but labor intensity increases and stitching consistency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical stitching system with an automated embroidery machine system. The computing device controls the needle bed and positioning mechanism to automatically perform stitching operations that were previously done manually, thereby increasing productivity while maintaining operational flexibility through programmable control.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated system enables the stitching process to perform itself without continuous human intervention. The computing device executes pre-programmed patterns to guide the needle bed and positioning mechanism, allowing the system to automatically complete stitching tasks with consistent quality and reduced labor requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual stitching is used by workers, then adaptability to different shoe designs is maintained, but stitching precision and consistency deteriorate due to skill variability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes programmable parameters in the computing device to control stitching operations. Different shoe designs are accommodated by loading different stitch patterns and adjusting positioning parameters, ensuring both adaptability to various designs and consistent precision through automated control rather than manual skill variability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates positioning mechanisms that precisely track and control the movement of the needle bed and shoe parts. This feedback-controlled positioning ensures that stitching operations are executed with high precision and consistency, eliminating the variability inherent in manual stitching while maintaining adaptability through programmable patterns.
3Productivity
If automated stitching system is implemented, then productivity and stitching consistency improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a multi-functional integrated system where the computing device controls both the needle bed actuation and the positioning mechanism. This universal control architecture consolidates multiple functions into a single coordinated system, improving productivity while managing complexity through integrated rather than separate control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the control of the needle bed and positioning mechanism under a single computing device. By combining these functions into one coordinated system rather than separate independent systems, the patent achieves improved productivity and consistency while managing overall system complexity through unified control.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for stitching two parts of a shoe together includes a stitching machine with a head and a cylinder bed. The head has a needle base disposed on a lower end adjacent the cylinder bed such that the two shoe parts can be stitched together therebetween. A positioning mechanism has a curved drive frame and is capable of moving the curved drive frame in a rotating motion along the circumference of the curved drive frame and in a linear direction generally along an axis of the curved drive frame. A jig positions the two shoe parts with respect to one another and is coupled to the curved drive frame. The jig includes a curved support surface for supporting the two shoe parts.