Vector Knitting Data Conflict Detection in Flat Knit Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for designing knitted fabrics on flat knitting machines face limitations in displaying and resolving conflicts between pattern and basic pattern data without converting cutting data into needle-related knitting data, limiting flexibility and accuracy in shaping the fabric.

Innovation Solution

A method that uses vectorial cutting data to position cuts on a basic pattern in symbolic representation, allowing for parallel editing of cutting and knitting data without conversion, enabling immediate conflict detection and resolution, and maintaining data integrity by separating data levels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If cutting data are converted into needle-related knitting data before display, then the knitting data can be integrated with the basic pattern, but the flexibility to change cutting data is lost and conflicts cannot be detected early

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata integrationVSAvoiddata flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system separates cutting data and knitting data into distinct data levels, allowing independent processing and display. Cutting data remains in vector format while knitting data is displayed in symbolic representation, enabling flexible modification of cutting data without affecting knitting data integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The display device acts as an intermediary that shows both cutting data and knitting data simultaneously without converting cutting data into knitting data. This allows users to detect conflicts between pattern and basic pattern before finalizing the design, while maintaining data flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Stability of the object's composition

If cutting data are converted into needle-related knitting data early in the process, then the data can be firmly integrated, but time is lost and conflicts are detected too late

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata integrationVSAvoiddesign time
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary display of both cutting data and knitting data in symbolic representation before conversion to machine control data. This allows early detection and resolution of conflicts between pattern and basic pattern, saving time in the later stages of design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The display device provides immediate visual feedback showing both cutting data and knitting data together in symbolic representation. Users can see conflicts between pattern and basic pattern immediately and make adjustments before finalizing the design, reducing iterative revisions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If cutting data are displayed without conversion to needle-related knitting data, then data flexibility is maintained, but direct integration with basic pattern is difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata flexibilityVSAvoiddata integration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the representation parameter of knitting data to symbolic form that can be displayed alongside vector-based cutting data. This allows both data types to be visualized and compared in the same space without conversion, maintaining flexibility while enabling integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2463422B1Method for designing shaped knits to be produced on a flat knitting machine using a design device and design device
Publication Date: 2016.05.11 H STOLL GMBH & CO KG
  • EP2463422B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

The method involves loading a section (6) of a profiled knitted fabric from memory of a drafting device. The section of the knitted fabric is positioned on a base pattern (1) in a vector symbol representation, and sectional data with knitting data of the base pattern without converting knitting-related sectional data into needle-related knitting data. The section of the knitted fabric is adjusted at the base pattern if machine controlled data is created for section positioning. A conflict is displayed between the sectional data and knitting data of the base pattern. An independent claim is also included for a device for designing a profiled knitted fabric on a flat knitting machine by a drafting device, comprising a storage unit.