Alphanumeric Character Affixing to Fabrics via Press
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for affixing strings of alphanumeric characters to fabrics either compromise the elasticity of the fabric or require complex retaining mechanisms, and often result in misalignment or visible signs from connection means.
Innovation Solution
A method using a supporting element with a frame and through holes for alphanumeric characters, where the characters protrude from the fabric side and are retained by pins, allowing for single-operation affixing without altering fabric elasticity and eliminating the need for additional retaining elements, utilizing a press with suction means to secure characters during the process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the string is constituted by a single, rigid piece and affixed to the fabric in a single operation, then the affixing time is reduced and the process is simplified, but the elasticity and flexibility of the fabric are locally nullified where the string has been affixed
Solution Approach 1:
The string is divided into individual character elements that are spaced apart from each other, allowing each character to be affixed independently to the fabric. This segmentation maintains fabric elasticity and flexibility between the characters while still achieving the string's overall affixing in a single operation through a press that positions multiple characters simultaneously.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If one character is affixed at a time to the fabric, then the fabric keeps its elasticity and flexibility substantially unaltered, but the affixing time increases and alignment between characters may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The press is pre-configured with positioning means that include longitudinal bars arranged to hold multiple character elements in their correct positions before affixing. The feet or tabs on the characters are pre-formed to engage with corresponding supporting elements on the bars, enabling simultaneous affixing of multiple characters in a single operation while maintaining proper alignment.
3Productivity
If feet or tabs are used to connect characters to supporting bars, then the characters can be affixed in a single operation, but visible signs remain on the edges of the characters after the feet are detached
Solution Approach 1:
The connection function is extracted from the visible edge area of the characters. The feet or tabs are positioned on the reverse side or in areas that will not be visible on the finished product, so when they are detached after affixing, no visible signs remain on the character edges that face outward.
4Reliability
If retaining means are added to the supporting structure to prevent characters from escaping, then the characters can be securely retained during handling, but the structure becomes more complex and the affixing process is complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining function is merged with the existing supporting structure by using the same longitudinal bars and feet/tab mechanisms that are already present for positioning and affixing the characters. The feet serve both as connection elements for affixing and as retaining elements during handling, eliminating the need for separate retaining means and reducing overall structural complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables reliable, efficient, and cost-effective single-operation affixing of characters without compromising fabric elasticity or requiring complex retaining mechanisms, ensuring optimal alignment and minimizing visible signs.
Implementation Method 1
a press-closing step of pressing the alphanumeric characters, symbols or the like in bas-relief on the corresponding supporting elements with the fabric interposed for the mutual affixing
Implementation Method 2
utilizing a press with suction means to secure characters during the process
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A method for affixing strings of alphanumeric characters (4), symbols or the like to fabrics (16) or the like, the peculiarity of which consists in that it comprises the steps of: - mounting the alphanumeric characters (4), symbols or the like on a supporting element (1) that is adapted to allow to arrange pins (5) of the alphanumeric characters (4), symbols or the like in holes (3) of the supporting element (1), so that the character portion of the alphanumeric characters (4), symbols or the like protrudes from the supporting element (1); - loading the supporting element (1), with the alphanumeric characters (4), symbols or the like affixed thereto, on a punch (11,12) of a press (10); - mounting a strike plate (15) for the alphanumeric characters (4), symbols or the like on the counter punch (12,11); - removing the supporting element (1) so as to leave the alphanumeric characters (4), symbols or the like arranged in the punch (11,12); - interposing a layer of fabric (16) or the like between the two punches (11,12) and performing a pressing step; and - opening the press (10) and extracting the fabric (16) with the alphanumeric characters (4), symbols or the like affixed thereto.