Sewing Machine Stitch Length Adjuster Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing stitch length adjusting devices for sewing machines lack stability and precision in specifying stitch lengths, leading to undesirable relative movements between components and increased wear.

Innovation Solution

A stitch length adjusting device with a non-rotatable connection between the setting frame and lever body, utilizing an adjusting shaft for stability, and a changeover drive for automatic stitch direction changes, along with a calibration device for precise stitch length calibration, ensures precise and stable stitch length specification.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a rotatable connection or separate components are used between the setting frame and lever body, then the device complexity is reduced or assembly is easier, but the stability and precision of stitch length specification deteriorates due to undesirable relative movements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability of stitch length settingVSAvoidconnection structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The setting frame and lever body are merged into a single non-rotatable connection structure, eliminating relative movements between these components. This integration ensures that the stitch length specification remains stable and precise without requiring complex separate connection mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The lever body serves multiple functions: it acts as both the setting element for stitch length and as a structural component that maintains fixed positional relationships with the setting frame. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional stabilizing components.

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

2Ease of operation

If manual adjustment mechanisms are used for stitch length, then the device complexity is low, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to manual intervention requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic changeover between forward and reverse stitchesVSAvoidchangeover drive mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The changeover drive mechanism dynamically switches the lever body between forward stitch and reverse stitch positions automatically based on the stitching direction, eliminating manual intervention while maintaining operational ease.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs automatic changeover between forward and reverse stitches using the changeover drive, making the device self-adjusting without requiring operator intervention for each stitch direction change.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If direct stop of the short-stitch lever body on the short-stitch stop body is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates due to increased wear

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewear resistance of lever bodyVSAvoidstop position specification mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

An intermediary stop position specification mechanism is introduced between the short-stitch lever body and the short-stitch stop body. This intermediary component prevents direct contact and wear between the lever body and stop body while still achieving the desired stop position.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The stop position specification mechanism is designed to prevent direct impact and wear between moving and stationary components by using an intermediary element that absorbs or distributes the stopping force, thereby protecting the lever body from wear.

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

4Manufacturing precision

If separate adjustment mechanisms are used for forward and reverse stitch lengths, then the adaptability is improved, but the manufacturing precision deteriorates due to calibration difficulties

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveneedle penetration position consistencyVSAvoidindependent adjustment of forward and reverse stitch lengths
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustment mechanism uses asymmetric design where the lever body has different stop positions for forward and reverse stitches, allowing independent adjustment while maintaining consistent needle penetration through calibrated geometric relationships.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The system adjusts stitch lengths by changing the angular position of the lever body to different predetermined stop positions, allowing independent control of forward and reverse stitch lengths while maintaining manufacturing precision through calibrated parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3088591B1Stitch length adjustment device for a sewing machine and sewing machine with such a stitch length adjustment device
Publication Date: 2018.06.13 DURKOPP ADLER GMBH
  • EP3088591B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3088591B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3088591B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A stitch length adjusting device (25) for a sewing machine has a stop unit (26) for setting stops for a lever body (27). This lever body can be switched between a forward stitch stop position and a reverse stitch stop position by rotating it around an adjusting axis (28). The adjusting device (25) also has a stitch adjuster mechanism (49), which is connected on one side to the lever body (27) and on the other side to a feed dog drive shaft. An adjusting frame (52) of the stitch adjuster mechanism (49) is rotationally fixed to the lever body (27). This results in a stitch length adjusting device with improved stability of the stitch length setting.