Variable Yarn Feeding Position in Flat Knitting Machines

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Solution Overview

Problem

The yarn feeding structure of current flat knitting machines cannot change the yarn feeding position during the knitting process, leading to potential errors in plated loop formation due to fixed yarn feeding positions.

Innovation Solution

A flat knitting machine yarn feeder with a driving mechanism and yarn feeding mechanism, where the driving mechanism is controlled by an electronic signal, allowing the yarn feeding arm to change position relative to the needle bed through a guide column and bevels in a guide hole, enabling variable yarn feeding positions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the yarn feeding structure is set with a fixed yarn feeding position, then the structure is simple and stable, but the yarn feeding position cannot be changed during the knitting process, leading to potential errors in plated loop formation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveyarn feeding position adjustabilityVSAvoidyarn feeding structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the yarn feeding arm movable relative to the needle bed through a guide column and guide hole mechanism. The yarn feeding arm can be positioned at different locations along the guide hole, allowing dynamic adjustment of the yarn feeding position during the knitting process while maintaining structural stability through the constrained movement path.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the yarn feeding system into distinct functional components: the driving mechanism, the joining plate, the yarn feeding arm, and the guide hole with guide column. This segmentation allows independent adjustment of the yarn feeding arm position while keeping other components stable, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Manufacturing precision

If the yarn feeding position is fixed after setting, then the device operation is simple, but the knitting accuracy deteriorates when knitting conditions change

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplated loop position accuracyVSAvoidyarn feeding operation simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback through electronic signals that control the driving mechanism to adjust the yarn feeding arm position. The system receives knitting condition information, processes it through a control unit, and automatically adjusts the yarn feeding position accordingly, ensuring accurate plated loop formation without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with an electronically controlled driving mechanism. The control unit receives electronic signals and automatically actuates the driving plate to move the yarn feeding arm to the correct position, improving precision while maintaining operational simplicity through automation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the yarn feeding arm can change position during knitting, then the adaptability improves, but the device complexity increases due to additional mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveyarn feeding position variabilityVSAvoidyarn feeding mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the position adjustment function into the existing yarn feeding mechanism by integrating the guide hole in the joining plate and the guide column in the yarn feeding arm. This combination allows position variability to be achieved through the interaction of existing components rather than adding entirely separate adjustment mechanisms, thus limiting the increase in complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The guide hole and guide column mechanism serves multiple functions: it guides the movement of the yarn feeding arm, defines the permissible position range, and works with the driving mechanism to achieve position adjustment. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, balancing adaptability with complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11421354B2Flat knitting machine yarn feeder with variable yarn feeding positions

Publication Date: 2022.08.23 PAI LUNG MACHINERY MILL CO LTD

AI summary

A flat knitting machine yarn feeder with variable yarn feeding positions is provided. The flat knitting machine yarn feeder includes a driving mechanism and a yarn feeding mechanism. The driving mechanism is controlled by an electronic signal and includes a driving plate which makes a push stroke after started. The yarn feeding mechanism comprises a joining plate connected with the driving plate and a yarn feeding arm assembled with the joining plate. The joining plate comprises a guide hole. The yarn feeding arm comprises a guide column disposed in the guide hole. The joining plate makes a displacement stroke when the driving plate makes the push stroke. The guide column changes a position in the guide hole when the joining plate makes the displacement stroke. The yarn feeding arm changes a yarn feeding position when the guide column changes the position.