Embroidery Machine Research Articles

A single-layer stitched electrotextile as flexible pressure mapping sensor

In this paper, a stitched fabric for decoding the pressure distribution information by means of resistive sensing is introduced. The proposed fabric-structured sensor is constructed by a distributed resistive array of two orthogonally contacted electrical conductive yarns system, which needs not any external sensing elements to be attached on the fabric. The conductive yarns served as the sensing and wiring elements simultaneously, which in turn simplify the fabrication process and decrease the cost, make the production of large area flexible pressure sensor possible. The topology of the sensing elements distributed on the fabric can be set by stitching the conductive yarn on the substrate fabric by sewing or embroidery machine. The location and pressure applied on the fabric can be obtained by detecting the position where the change of the resistances occurs between two embroidered yarns system. Meanwhile, the magnitude of the pressure can be acquired by measuring the variations of the resistance under pressure. Coating is applied on the contact points of the two yarns system to increase the sensitivity and stability. It is found from the experimental results that the sensitivity and stability are improved dramatically after coating. The resistance vs. pressure exhibits a nonlinear “two stages” mode and the contacting resistance is unstable at small pressure region. The electronics system that picks up the signal of the resistance matrix is also introduced. Flexible, robust, light weight, and breathable provide the sensor advantages to be used as wearable sensors. Meanwhile, easy fabrication and low costs make large area sensing such as sensing carpet possible.

Development of a High-Speed Permanent-Magnet Brushless DC Motor for Driving Embroidery Machines

We describe the development of a permanent-magnet (PM) brushless DC motor for driving high-speed embroidery machines by employing advanced design and analysis techniques. In the design of the motor, magnetic field finite-element analyses accurately calculate the key motor parameters such as the air-gap flux, back electromotive force (EMF), and inductance. Using the numerical magnetic field solutions, a modified incremental energy method calculates the self and mutual inductances of the stator windings. A phasor diagram is derived to compute the motor's steady-state characteristics. To predict the dynamic performance and increase the prediction accuracy, a Simulink-based model simulates the motor performance with the real waveforms of applied phase voltage, back EMF, and current. The motor prototype tested with both a dynamometer and a high-speed embroidery machine validated the theoretical calculations.

New Technologies of Embroidered Robe Production and Changing Gender Roles in Zaria, Nigeria, 1950–2005

The old walled section of the Northern Nigerian town of Zaria known as Zaria City is renowned for the production of elaborately hand-embroidered robes, worn by men throughout Nigeria and West Africa. These garments are of some antiquity, yet they continue to be produced. None the less, there have been several changes in their production, including the introduction and expanded use of embroidery machines and new materials by men, new marketing practices, and women's hand-embroidery of robes. These changes are closely linked with political, economic, and socio-cultural factors, reflecting technological innovation, changes in gender-associated work, and the impact of federal import regulations in Zaria.

Research on conceptual design of mechatronic systems

Based on the fact that function-structure generating and function solving are alternant processes with mutual causality during the conceptual design phase of mechatronic systems, a conceptual design cyclic feedback solving model of a mechatronic system is put forward on the basis of mapping between function layer, effect layer, working principle layer and structure layer. The process of solving single and system functions is analysed. Key technologies of interface matching and function solving are then advanced. Finally, a computer-aided conceptual design automatic software system for mechatronic systems is developed and the conceptual design of a computerised embroidery machine is given as an example.

Gender and Work in Turkey: Case Study on Women Workers in the Textile Industry in Bursa

Over the past 40 years or so historians and social scientists especially the women among them have made a determined attempt to render visible what was hitherto often invisible -- the role of women in history and the part they play in contemporary society. With respect to work this has led to increased interest in several related aspects -- in women and waged work; in the work constituted by the domestic duties that women perform within the home; and in so-called home work work performed in the home for money. The latter sort of work has often been investigated with reference to the production of garments. But the textile industry has been a common point of investigation in the attempt to render visible womens waged work roles and the interconnection between these and the work they do in the home. This study aims to contribute to contemporary debates about women and workplace attitudes in Turkey with special reference to women textile workers in Bursa. It draws upon fieldwork conducted in two big textile firms in 2001 in Bursa. (authors)

Die ontwikkeling van ’n prototipe - borduurmasjien vanaf ’n huishoudelike naaimasjien

The prototype embroidery machine was developed by building a computer-controlled XY-table which is connected to a normal household sewing machine and a personal computer.