Zigzag Sewing Machine Variable Adjustment Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Operators of zigzag sewing machines face difficulties in making precise adjustments to the feeding pitch and needle swing width during sewing operations, as existing adjusting dial switches require multiple rotations, causing operators to lose focus from the sewing area and increasing the risk of uneven stitches, especially for inexperienced users.

Innovation Solution

The zigzag sewing machine incorporates a control section that assigns different values to the minimum adjustable unit based on whether the stitching motor is in operation, allowing for finer adjustments when not sewing and larger adjustments during sewing, using a multistage-operating portion and adjusting dial switches that generate pulses at each rotation angle, enabling operators to adjust settings without needing to release and re-grasp the dial switch.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the adjusting dial switch requires multiple complete rotations to cover the entire adjustable range, then the adjustable range is sufficient, but the operator needs to release and re-grasp the dial switch during operation, causing loss of focus from the sewing area

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustable rangeVSAvoidoperability during sewing
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the minimum adjustable unit variable rather than fixed. The control section dynamically changes the minimum adjustable unit based on whether the stitching motor is operating, allowing the dial switch to adapt its adjustment characteristics during different phases of operation. This resolves the contradiction by enabling both fine adjustment capability and complete range coverage within one rotation during sewing operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of minimum adjustable unit from a constant value to a variable value that depends on the operational state. When the stitching motor is not operating, a first (smaller) value is assigned for fine adjustment, and when the stitching motor is operating, a second (larger) value is assigned to cover the entire adjustable range within one rotation. This parameter change directly resolves the technical contradiction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If the minimum adjustable unit is set to a small value for fine adjustment, then precise adjustment is possible, but multiple complete rotations are needed to cover the entire adjustable range

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment precisionVSAvoidtime for multiple rotations
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the minimum adjustable unit based on operational context. During sewing operations, the minimum adjustable unit is set to a larger second value that enables complete range coverage in one rotation, while during non-operational states, it switches to a smaller first value for fine adjustment precision. This dynamic adaptation resolves the time loss issue.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control section preliminarily determines the appropriate minimum adjustable unit value based on the stitching motor's operational state before the operator performs adjustment. This preliminary action ensures that the dial switch is always configured with the appropriate adjustment granularity, eliminating the need for multiple rotations during sewing operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If the adjusting dial switch is operated during sewing to change settings, then case-by-case adjustment is possible, but the operator must take eyes off the cloth, causing uneasy feeling and risk of uneven stitches

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecase-by-case adjustment capabilityVSAvoidstitch uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameter of minimum adjustable unit based on the stitching motor's operational state. During sewing operations, the system assigns a second value that allows complete adjustable range coverage within one dial rotation, enabling operators to make all necessary adjustments without taking eyes off the cloth. This resolves the reliability issue while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The control section preliminarily configures the dial switch with an appropriate minimum adjustable unit value before the operator needs to make adjustments. By anticipating the need for adjustment during sewing and pre-configuring the system to allow single-rotation coverage, the operator can complete adjustments without breaking focus on the sewing area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS7963239B2Zigzag sewing machine
Publication Date: 2011.06.21 JUKI CORP
  • US7963239B2 patent drawing
  • US7963239B2 patent drawing
  • US7963239B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A zigzag sewing machine is provided. The zigzag sewing machine includes a stitching motor which moves a needle, a feeding motor which moves a feed dog to feed a cloth, a needle swinging motor which swings the needle, a multistage-operating portion operable to adjust at least one of a feed amount of the cloth and a swing amount of the needle in a minimum adjustable unit, and a control section which controls the stitching motor, the feeding motor and the needle swinging motor to carry out a zigzag sewing in accordance with the at least one of the feed amount and the swing amount adjusted by the multistage-operating portion. The control section is configured to selectively assign a first value and a second to the minimum adjustable unit depending on whether the stitching motor is in operation or not.