Yarn Feeding Device for Flatbed Knitting Machine Specification Changes
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing flatbed knitting machines face challenges in efficiently switching between entraining-type and self-running-type yarn feeders due to the complexity of their configurations, which increases manufacturing costs and requires labor-intensive adjustments, especially when modifying or replacing yarn feeder rails.
Innovation Solution
A flatbed knitting machine with a yarn feeding device that includes a carriage with an entrainment-type running member and a self-running-type running member, where the self-running-type running member can be interleaved between movement parts and tracks, allowing for easy operation and specification changes by utilizing the space between yarn feeder rails, and featuring a coupling member and movement driving part to drive the running member, enabling the self-running-type running member to operate on the same track as the entraining-type running member.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If self-running-type yarn feeders are used, then knitting efficiency is maintained without carriage stops, but device complexity increases due to required movement members and driving mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The yarn feeder rail is designed with a universal track structure that can accommodate both self-running-type yarn feeders (with movement members) and entraining-type yarn feeders (without movement members). The track is configured to support movement members when present, while also being compatible with yarn feeders that rely on carriage entrainment, allowing the same rail infrastructure to serve multiple operational modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows dynamic configuration where movement members can be selectively installed or removed from the yarn feeder rail based on operational requirements. The rail structure accommodates both stationary yarn feeders (entraining-type) and mobile yarn feeders (self-running-type), enabling flexibility in system operation without requiring dedicated infrastructure for each type.
2Adaptability or versatility
If yarn feeder rails are detached for specification changes, then adaptability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to labor-intensive reinstallation and adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The yarn feeder rail system is segmented into modular components where individual yarn feeders and movement members can be independently installed, removed, or replaced without affecting the entire rail structure. This modular design allows for easy specification changes by simply detaching and reattaching individual components rather than entire rails.
Solution Approach 2:
Standardized coupling mechanisms serve as intermediaries between the yarn feeders, movement members, and the rail track. These coupling members facilitate quick connection and disconnection operations, eliminating the need for complex adjustments during specification changes. The coupling interfaces are designed to automatically align and secure components, reducing manual adjustment requirements.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3(a)~3(b)
AI summary
Provided is a yarn feeding device capable of easily performing a necessary operation for a process to change or to mix specification among entraining-type and self-running-type running members such as yarn feeders. Two movement belts 4a, 4b are arranged between adjacent yarn feeder rails 2a, 2b while being divided into upper and lower stages. The upper and lower movement belts 4a, 4b respectively move yarn feeders 3a, 3b that are respectively mounted on trucks 2aF, 2bB of the yarn feeder rails 2a, 2b. Movement driving part driving the movement belts 4a, 4b are mounted on end portions of the yarn feeder rails 2a, 2b, so that no configuration supporting the movement belts 4a, 4b and the movement driving part is required for the yarn feeder rails 2a, 2b. The yarn feeder rails 2a, 2b could be shared by the entraining-type and self-running-type running members. The process for the specification change from the entrainment-running type to the self-running type, the mixing of the entrainment-running type and the self-running type, or the like could therefore be performed without detaching the yarn feeder rails 2a, 2b, thereby reducing the labor.