Circular Knitting Machine Sinker Control via Intermediate Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing knitting tool controlling apparatuses in circular knitting machines require a large number of parts and significant space for sinker movement, limiting the number of feeders and increasing the size of the machine, while also prone to needle selection errors like 'overlapping', which affects the quality and efficiency of jacquard knitted fabrics.
Innovation Solution
A controlling apparatus with a rocking piece base member, retracting cam, and intermediate cam that allows the sinker to move to an intermediate position between retracted and advanced positions, reducing the distance moved and space required, and preventing 'overlapping' by engaging the sinker and rocking piece base member with play, enabling independent operation and reducing wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the sinker is selected from a retracted position to an advanced position to increase movement distance, then the movement amount of the sinker increases, but the space in the circumferential direction is required and the number of feeders cannot be increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediate position for the sinker between the retracted and advanced positions. The sinker can dynamically select among multiple positions (retracted, intermediate, advanced) based on knitting requirements. This dynamic positioning allows the sinker to complete necessary functions with reduced total movement distance, thereby saving circumferential space and enabling increased feeder capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The sinker movement path is segmented into multiple discrete positions: retracted position, intermediate position, and advanced position. By dividing the continuous movement into discrete segments, the system can achieve the required knitting functions without requiring the sinker to traverse the entire distance from fully retracted to fully advanced, thus reducing the total space needed in the circumferential direction.
2Length of moving object
If an intermediate member raising cam is provided to increase the movement amount of the sinker, then the movement amount of the sinker increases, but the number of required parts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of multiple cams into a unified cam structure. The intermediate cam integrates the functions previously requiring separate intermediate member raising cam and rocking piece retracting cam, thereby reducing the number of parts while maintaining the ability to control sinker movement through intermediate positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate cam serves multiple functions: it controls the rocking piece base member, enables the sinker to reach intermediate positions, and works in conjunction with the retracting cam to control the rocking piece. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate raising cams for different components, reducing overall device complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If the sinker and rocking piece base member are engaged without play, then the control precision increases, but the wear increases and independent operation is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces play (clearance) between the sinker and rocking piece base member as a cushioning mechanism. This predetermined clearance prevents direct rigid contact during operation, reducing wear on both components. The play allows for thermal expansion and manufacturing tolerances while maintaining sufficient control precision through the cam guidance system.
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
This solution allows for a more compact machine design with increased feeder capacity, reduced parts, and prevention of needle selection errors, enhancing the production efficiency and quality of jacquard knitted fabrics by minimizing unnecessary sinker movement and wear.
Implementation Method 1
at least one pair of attracting members respectively corresponding to both ends of the rocking piece
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a controlling apparatus for a jacquard knitted fabric in a circular knitting machine, in which the distance moved by sinkers back and forth is reduced. A controlling apparatus of the present invention has a rocking piece base member 4 for controlling a knitting tool 2, the rocking piece base member being mounted in the same groove as the knitting tool, and at least one rocking piece 5 supported so as to be capable of rocking on the rocking piece base member 4. At least one pair of attracting members 13a and 13b are provided respectively corresponding to both ends of the rocking piece 5. The controlling apparatus further has at least one rocking piece retracting cam 10 for retracting the rocking piece 5, and a control cam 7, 8 for controlling knitting tools.