Sliding Needle Plate With Elastic Hook For Quick Detachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sewing machines require cumbersome two-staged operations to detach and attach the second needle plate, making the process difficult and time-consuming due to opposing force directions for detachment and attachment.
Innovation Solution
A needle plate design featuring a sliding engagement mechanism that allows the second needle plate to be easily attached and detached by sliding rearward and a disengagement operating member that cancels engagement with a corresponding forward motion, simplifying the process with a single primary operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the conventional engagement mechanism with leaf spring and protrusion is used, then the second needle plate can be detached from the first needle plate, but the operation becomes complex requiring two staged operations with opposite force directions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional engagement mechanism by using a hook-shaped engaging member that engages with a slot instead of a protrusion with a leaf spring. This inversion allows the engaging member to be elastically deformed in a single operation direction (frontward) to both engage and disengage the second needle plate from the first needle plate, eliminating the need for two staged operations with opposite force directions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the elastic deformation parameter of the engaging member, allowing it to be elastically deformed in a single direction (frontward) to achieve both engagement and disengagement. This parameter change enables the engaging member to transition between engaged and disengaged states through a single operation, simplifying the user interface while maintaining secure connection during operation.
2Ease of repair
If the second needle plate is detachably attached to the first needle plate, then the horizontal hook mechanism can be accessed for cleaning, but positional adjustment is required when reattaching which may cause collision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates guide protrusions on the second needle plate that preliminarily guide the plate into correct alignment with the first needle plate during attachment. This preliminary guiding action ensures accurate positioning is achieved automatically during the attachment process, eliminating the need for manual positional adjustment and preventing potential collisions between the needle, feed dog, and needle plate.
3Ease of operation
If the engaging member is elastically deformable, then the engagement can be canceled by single operation, but the engagement force must be sufficient to maintain secure connection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the elastic deformation parameter of the hook-shaped engaging member, allowing it to be elastically deformed in a single operation direction (frontward) to achieve both engagement and disengagement. This parameter change enables the engaging member to transition between engaged and disengaged states through a single operation, simplifying the user interface while maintaining secure connection during operation.
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 effortless attachment and detachment of the second needle plate, reducing operational complexity and time, while ensuring secure engagement and disengagement without requiring complex adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
an elastically deformable engaging member having a proximal end fixed to the second needle plate and a free end formed with an engagement claw engageable with the engagement hole, and the engagement hole and the engagement claw are engaged with each other by an elastic force of the engaging member
Data Source
AI summary
A needle plate for a sewing machine includes a first needle plate fixed to a sewing machine bed and formed with a needle hole through which a needle passes and a rectangular hole through which a feed dog appears, a second needle plate disposed in front of the first needle plate and detachably attached to the first needle plate, an engagement mechanism sliding the second needle plate rearward from a front side of the first needle plate, thereby engaging the second needle plate with the first needle plate, and a disengagement operating member located on the second needle plate so as to operate the engagement mechanism so that the second needle plate is disengaged from the first needle plate. The disengagement operating member is moved frontward from a rear side of the first needle plate thereby to disengage the second needle plate from the first needle plate.