Barb-and-Clamp Button Repair System

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for button repair and replacement, such as using needle and thread, are time-consuming and inconvenient, especially when buttons become loose or need to be added as decorative embellishments.

Innovation Solution

A thread-less button repair system comprising a top fastener portion and a bottom receiver portion, both forming a 'U' shape, with barbs that penetrate the material and lock into a clamp indentation, creating a semi-permanent connection without the need for sewing, suitable for buttons with one to four holes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If needle and thread is used for button repair, then secure connection is achieved, but time consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection securityVSAvoidrepair time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening system is divided into separate components: a button component with barbs, a receiver component with clamp indentation, and material. This segmentation allows for quick assembly without threading, while the interlocking barbs and clamp indentation ensure secure connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The traditional needle-and-thread mechanical system is replaced with a barb-and-clamp mechanical system. The barbs on the button component penetrate the material and lock into the clamp indentation of the receiver component, providing secure fastening without requiring threading operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If needle and thread is used for button repair, then secure connection is achieved, but operational complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection securityVSAvoidrepair convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening system is divided into separate components: a button component with barbs, a receiver component with clamp indentation, and material. This segmentation allows for quick assembly without threading, while the interlocking barbs and clamp indentation ensure secure connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The traditional needle-and-thread mechanical system is replaced with a barb-and-clamp mechanical system. The barbs on the button component penetrate the material and lock into the clamp indentation of the receiver component, providing secure fastening without requiring threading operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If traditional button repair method is used, then button replacement is achieved, but productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebutton attachment securityVSAvoidrepair speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening system is divided into separate components: a button component with barbs, a receiver component with clamp indentation, and material. This segmentation allows for quick assembly without threading, while the interlocking barbs and clamp indentation ensure secure connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The traditional needle-and-thread mechanical system is replaced with a barb-and-clamp mechanical system. The barbs on the button component penetrate the material and lock into the clamp indentation of the receiver component, providing secure fastening without requiring threading operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS9468246B2Button repair system and method

Publication Date: 2016.10.18 HAMILTON ELAINE T

AI summary

A button replacement and reinforcement system which provides a quick and simple alternative to sewing a button into place. This system is versatile in that it can be used on buttons with one or up to four holes. It provides a secure attachment or reinforcement to button placement, and is also able to add buttons as an embellishment to a variety of materials, including materials. It is quick and simple to use, and hold buttons securely in place without the need for a needle or thread.