Woven Slide Fastener Stringer Production via Parallel Knitting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for producing knitted slide fasteners are inefficient when only one stringer is produced, as they complicate post-processing steps such as conveying and engaging stringers to form a chain.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that simultaneously produce multiple stringers with coil-shaped element rows on one side edge of the fastener tape using cooperative operations of guide needles, knitting needles, and hooks, allowing for efficient production and easy engagement of stringers into a chain by symmetrically or asymmetrically arranging guides and hooks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If only one stringer is continuously produced, then the production process is simple, but the post processes become complicated and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple stringer production operations into a single knitting cycle by arranging multiple guide needles and knitting needles to simultaneously produce multiple stringers. This merging of production functions eliminates the need for separate production runs and reduces post-process complexity while increasing overall productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from producing one stringer at a time to producing multiple stringers simultaneously by adding the dimension of parallel production. Multiple guide needles and knitting needles are arranged in the knitting width direction to create multiple element rows in parallel, effectively utilizing spatial arrangement to achieve multi-output production.
2Productivity
If multiple stringers are produced simultaneously, then productivity increases, but the number of components and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the knitting device multi-functional by enabling it to produce multiple stringers with different configurations (asymmetric or symmetric element row arrangements) using the same basic components. The guide needles and knitting needles can be arranged in different patterns to achieve different stringer configurations, reducing the need for multiple specialized devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the production device into modular components (guide needles, knitting needles, hooks) that can be independently arranged and configured. This segmentation allows flexible arrangement of components to achieve different production configurations without requiring complete redesign of the entire system.
3Productivity
If guides and hooks are asymmetrically arranged, then production efficiency is maintained, but stringer engagement becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric arrangement of guides and hooks to optimize the knitting process and element row formation. This asymmetric configuration allows efficient production while creating element rows that can be properly engaged through subsequent positioning operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary arrangement of element rows during the knitting process itself, preparing the stringers for easy engagement. By forming element rows with specific orientations and positions during production, the subsequent engagement process is simplified, requiring only minimal additional positioning.
Data Source
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AI summary
[Problem] To more efficiently produce woven slide fasteners. [Solution] A production method for a stringer (90) for woven slide fasteners in which a coil-shaped element row (95) is woven into one side edge of a fastener tape (91) for a knitted fabric. In this production method monofilaments are bent into a coil shape and formed into the element row as a result of the joint actions of a reciprocal action by a plurality of guides (34, 34) in the knitting width direction and a reciprocal action of a plurality of hooks (38, 38), when knitting an element row into the fastener tape by using the joint actions of a reciprocal action of a plurality of knitting needles (31) and the swing action and jogging action of a plurality of guide needles (32), said guides being arranged in the knitting width direction such that linear monofilaments (94, 94) are fed out and said hooks being arranged in the knitting width direction so as to move to a position separated from the position at which same are hooked around the monofilaments. A plurality of stringers, having the element row knitted into one side edge of the fastener tape as a result, are simultaneously produced, in a parallel state and in the knitting width direction.