Transverse Needle Holder for Embroidery Machines

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing needle holders for embroidery machines require complex and labor-intensive processes for needle changes, as they often necessitate axial insertion and removal through openings, which can be obstructed by objects and require significant manual effort.

Innovation Solution

A needle holder with a needle receiving part and a clamping part that uses a fixing element to secure the needle transversely, allowing for easy attachment and detachment without axial insertion, featuring a pivoting mechanism and a latching lever for quick release and secure clamping, compatible with various needle types including those with flattened shanks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If needles are attached using traditional axial insertion methods, then the needle can be securely held, but the needle change process becomes complex and labor-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveneedle change processVSAvoidattachment mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from axial insertion (longitudinal direction) to transverse insertion (lateral direction). The needle holder features a recess that receives the needle end laterally, with a clamping part that secures the needle from the side. This dimensional change allows needle insertion from directions not blocked by the needle tip, simplifying the operation and reducing manual effort required for needle changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If a clamping part is used to secure the needle, then the needle is held securely, but the attachment and release process becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveneedle holding securityVSAvoidattachment and release process
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The clamping part is designed as a movable element that can be actuated to secure and release the needle. The fixing element can be moved to engage with the clamping part, dynamically transitioning the system between clamped and released states. This dynamic mechanism maintains secure needle holding when engaged while enabling easy release when disengaged, improving operational ease without compromising reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If axial insertion is required for needle attachment, then the needle can be firmly fixed, but objects in front of the needle tip obstruct the process

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveneedle fixationVSAvoidneedle insertion accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent fundamentally changes the insertion direction from axial to transverse. The needle holder includes a recess positioned to receive the needle end from the side, and the clamping part secures the needle laterally. This allows needle attachment from directions that are not blocked by objects in front of the needle tip, maintaining secure fixation while improving accessibility and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP2022880B1Needle holder
Publication Date: 2010.03.17 GROZ BECKERT KG
  • EP2022880B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2022880B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP2022880B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

A needle-receiver (2) has a seat that accommodates a needle end (7). A needle clamp (8) is connected to the needle-receiver. The clamp moves between a clamping position and a release position. A movable clamp holder moves between a fixing position, in which it holds the needle clamp in the clamping position, and a release position, in which it releases the needle clamp. The fixer slides or moves away from the needle clamp or to the needle-receiver.