Development of two novel methods using sensors to operate the industrial overlock machine for loco-motor disabled person

Abstract

In this research, two sensor-based methods have been developed to operate industrial over-lock sewing machine,especially for loco-motor disabled person. Generally, the over-lock sewing machine is operated using foot pedal and this sensor based method eliminates the foot pedal and use alternative ways to sew garment. The method-1 uses a flextouch sensor and method-2 uses a textile sensor integrated wearable hand glove to operate the over-lock sewing machine.The seam efficiency of over-lock stitches performed using both the methods (1 & 2) has been assessed and compared with that of normal foot pedal method. Avariety of woven and knitted garments are sewed by implementing both the methods, and results are evaluated to calibrate and standardize the sensors/methods toencourage loco-motor disabled persons as self-employed sewing operators.