Warp Knitting Machine Control for Breaking-In Automation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The breaking-in process of a warp knitting machine requires significant operator skill and time, leading to reduced productivity due to the need for manual adjustment and familiarization, especially when inexperienced operators are involved.

Innovation Solution

A method where the machine control automatically moves guide needles to precise tensioning positions, indicating these positions to the operator, and limits input options to simplify the process, allowing for self-learning and efficient stitch formation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the operator manually adjusts and familiarizes with the warp knitting machine during breaking-in, then the machine can be operated, but the process requires significant operator skill and time, leading to reduced productivity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidproductivity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The machine control system automatically performs the breaking-in process by itself. The control unit executes predetermined movement sequences for the guide bar and knitting needle bar, automatically positions guide needles in the middle hole position, and controls the main shaft rotation without requiring manual operator intervention for these critical positioning tasks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The machine control unit stores predetermined movement sequences that define the breaking-in process in advance. These sequences include the exact movements of the guide bar, knitting needle bar, and main shaft, allowing the system to automatically execute the correct breaking-in procedure without requiring operator learning or manual adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If inexperienced operators are involved in the breaking-in process, then more operators can be utilized, but they require more time for familiarization and manual adjustment

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidtime
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The machine control system performs all critical positioning and movement tasks automatically, eliminating the need for operator skill in manual adjustment. The control unit itself manages the breaking-in process by executing stored movement sequences, allowing anyone to operate the machine without extensive training.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The machine control unit monitors the positions of the guide bar, knitting needle bar, and main shaft during the breaking-in process, automatically adjusting movements based on feedback from sensors and position detectors to ensure precise positioning without operator intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Manufacturing precision

If the operator manually positions guide needles and tensions threads, then precise positioning can be achieved, but the process is time-consuming and requires skill

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidtime
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The manual mechanical positioning and thread tensioning operations are replaced by an automated control system. The control unit electronically controls the movement of the guide bar and knitting needle bar according to predetermined sequences, and automatically positions guide needles with precision that exceeds manual capability while reducing time significantly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The control system has pre-programmed the exact movement sequences and positioning parameters for the breaking-in process. This preliminary preparation allows the system to automatically execute precise positioning operations without requiring operator skill or time for manual adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3460112B1Method for incorporating a warp knitting machine and warp knitting machine
Publication Date: 2019.11.13 KARL MAYER STOLL R&D GMBH
  • EP3460112B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

A method for incorporating warp knitting into a warp knitting machine is described, in which laying needles with threads inserted into them are moved relative to the knitting needles at tensioning positions, stopped there, and the threads are tightened. The aim is to enable high productivity of the warp knitting machine. For this purpose, the movement of the laying needles into the tensioning position is controlled by the machine control system of the warp knitting machine.