Biodegradable Fastener Assembly for Athletic Garments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Safety pins are difficult to use for attaching racing bibs to garments due to skin-puncture risk, tension bias, difficulty in dark or quick conditions, and are not biodegradable, making the process frustrating and unsuitable for even attachment.
Innovation Solution
A fastener assembly with a low-profile female receptacle and male portion that can be easily engaged through fabric without altering existing garments, using materials like metallic compositions for durability or lightweight, biodegradable materials for athletic competitions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If safety pins are used to attach racing bibs to garments, then the bibs can be fastened securely, but the process becomes difficult and frustrating due to skin-puncture risk, tension bias, and manipulation difficulty
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening system is divided into two separate components: a male portion with a projection and a female portion with a receptacle. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the male portion can be easily inserted through fabric while the female portion provides secure engagement, eliminating the manipulation difficulties of safety pins.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the problematic features of safety pins (sharp points, tension springs, complex manipulation mechanisms) and replaces them with simplified geometric shapes - a basic projection and receptacle configuration that maintains security while dramatically improving ease of use.
2Reliability
If safety pins are used for fastening, then attachment can be achieved, but the process is time-consuming and difficult in dark or quick conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The male and female portions are pre-formed with their final geometric shapes during manufacturing, eliminating the need for assembly or adjustment by the user. The simple projection-receptacle design requires no alignment or manipulation skill, enabling rapid fastening even in dark or time-critical conditions.
3Reliability
If safety pins are used, then fastening can be achieved, but they are not biodegradable and create environmental impact
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the material parameter from non-biodegradable metal (safety pins) to biodegradable materials such as plant-based polymers or natural fibers. The geometric design remains the same, ensuring fastening reliability is maintained while the material composition becomes environmentally friendly and capable of biodegradation.
4Adaptability or versatility
If safety pins are used, then bib attachment is possible, but they create skin-puncture risk and are not ideal for even attachment
Solution Approach 1:
The invention converts the potentially harmful sharp point of safety pins into a beneficial rounded projection that is safe for skin contact. The projection maintains the ability to engage securely with the receptacle while its rounded geometry eliminates puncture risks, turning a harmful feature into a safe one.
Data Source
AI summary
A fastener assembly attaches items to fabrics and textiles. The fastener has particular application for easily attaching racing bibs (i.e., athlete numbers) to athletic garments, and obviating the need for safety pins. In one embodiment, a female portion that passes through the fabric or textile releasably connects with the male portion that fastens the item to the fabric or textile. In another embodiment, the female portion has a cover to facilitate passage through the fabric or textile. In a third embodiment, the male portion passes through the fabric or textile, and includes a barb or a hook to do so.