Thread Inserting Device for Overlock Sewing Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional thread inserting methods for overlock sewing machines are cumbersome and imprecise, requiring manual pinching and insertion of threads into loopers, leading to inconsistent thread lengths and potential jamming due to the thread's flexibility and lack of visual confirmation of proper insertion.
Innovation Solution
A thread inserting device with a guide member, holder, and thread cutting portion that captures and cuts the thread to a predetermined length, allowing for precise and stable insertion into the sewing machine's loopers, ensuring consistent thread length and reducing jamming issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual pinching and insertion of thread is used, then the threading operation can be performed, but the insertion length cannot be confirmed with high precision leading to insufficient insertion
Solution Approach 1:
A guide member with a thread capture portion is introduced as an intermediary tool. The guide member captures the thread at its tip and protrudes to a predetermined length, serving as a mediator between the operator and the thread inserting hole. This allows precise insertion length control without requiring manual measurement of the flexible thread.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual measurement and estimation process is replaced by a mechanical guide structure. The guide member's predetermined protrusion length mechanically defines the insertion depth, substituting the unreliable human sensory system with a precise mechanical reference.
2Ease of operation
If manual pinching of flexible thread is performed, then the thread can be inserted, but the thread readily changes form causing jamming on the inner wall
Solution Approach 1:
The guide member acts as a rigid intermediary that maintains the thread in a straight configuration during insertion. By capturing the thread at its tip and providing a straight guidance path, the guide member prevents the flexible thread from changing form or jamming on the hole's inner wall.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide member preliminarily positions and straightens the thread before insertion occurs. The thread is captured and aligned in advance, ensuring it enters the hole in a controlled straight line rather than changing form during the insertion process.
3Productivity
If no visual confirmation is provided, then the threading operation can proceed quickly, but appropriate insertion cannot be confirmed leading to poor stability
Solution Approach 1:
The guide member provides visual feedback through its structure and position. The predetermined protrusion length creates a visible reference that allows operators to confirm proper insertion depth at a glance, combining quick operation with reliable visual verification.
Data Source
AI summary
A thread inserting device includes a guide pin having a thread capture portion at its tip for capturing a thread; a holder that fixedly holds the guide pin; a main body (first and second main bodies) slidably mounting the holder; and a thread cutting portion provided to the main body for cutting the thread to a length equal to or smaller than the protrusion of the thread capture portion from a thread captured position on a thread tip 6a side after the thread is captured by the thread capture portion. By shifting the holder, the thread capture portion is protruded to a predetermined length from the main body, and the thread cut to a predetermined length by the thread cutting portion is inserted into the thread inserting hole.