Magnetic Field Analysis and Optimization of the Gauge of Hybrid Maglev Needles

Abstract

Compared with the traditional needle driving method, hybrid maglev needle driving is a new weft knitting machine technology, which alleviates the problems of noise, heat, and needle breakage. However, in the structure of needle arrays, magnetic disturbance between permanent magnet knitting needles leads to unstable needle control. Therefore, this paper attempts to solve this problem through a performance analysis of hybrid maglev needle driving. Based on the structure, the magnetic force distribution model of permanent magnet knitting needles is established. Aiming at the magnetic interference between magnetic arrays, a magnetic shielding material, silicon steel with a high permeability, is proposed to optimize the driving structure of a magnetic levitation needle array. Through simulation and experimental analysis, the influence of different silicon steel thicknesses on magnetic field shielding is analyzed. It is concluded that the optimal value of a silicon steel sheet is 1 mm and that the optimal gauge of hybrid maglev knitting needles is 8 mm. Finally, compared with the theoretical and simulation analysis, the experimental results have indicated that the proposed optimized structure of the gauge of hybrid maglev knitting needles is correct and effective.