Braided Fiber Triangular Protrusions Natural Look

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing braided fibers used in furniture production lack the tactile and optical resemblance to natural fibers, and their haptic and optical properties are not adequately enhanced for improved perception and production simplicity.

Innovation Solution

The braided fibers feature triangular cross-sectional elevations, which can be arranged parallel to each other without gaps, with varying side lengths and colors, to create a surface structure that mimics natural fibers, providing enhanced abrasion resistance and iridescent visual effects.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If parallel ribs with gaps are used in the woven fiber, then the structure resembles natural fiber visually, but the haptic texture and abrasion resistance are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurface structureVSAvoidabrasion resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies curvature by using rounded projections instead of sharp ribs, and specifically implements triangular cross-sections with curved surfaces. This curvature provides both the visual resemblance to natural fibers and the tactile smoothness needed for improved haptic properties while maintaining abrasion resistance through the rounded geometry that distributes wear.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Shape

If a fiber structure is applied to the surface to resemble natural rattan, then the visual appearance improves, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurface textureVSAvoidmanufacturing process
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the base body and surface fiber structure into a single integrated extrusion process. The triangular projections are formed directly during extrusion of the base material, eliminating the need for separate surface application steps. This combining of structure formation and surface texturing in one process reduces manufacturing complexity while achieving the natural fiber appearance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Illumination intensity

If triangular projections with varying side lengths are used, then the iridescent visual effect and haptic texture improve, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisual effectVSAvoidprojection dimensions
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by varying the side lengths of triangular projections to create different viewing angles that produce iridescent effects. The extrusion process parameters are adjusted to create these dimensional variations, which generate the optical phenomenon of color change with viewing angle while maintaining manufacturability through controlled parameter variation rather than complex geometric forms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

The triangular cross-sectional design enhances the braided fibers' tactile and optical resemblance to natural fibers, offering improved haptic and visual impressions with varying effects based on viewing angles, while simplifying production and enhancing abrasion resistance.

Implementation Method 1

a base body (2) produced by extrusion from a plastic material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectExtrusion: Extrusion

Data Source

PatentEP4361325A1Braiding fibre and method for the production thereof
Publication Date: 2024.05.01 DEDON
  • EP4361325A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4361325A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4361325A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a woven fiber (1), particularly for the manufacture of furniture and/or furniture components, comprising a base body (2) produced by extrusion from a plastic material with a flat cross-section, the width of which is a multiple of its height, and wherein the base body (2) has at least one broad side with projections (3) extending parallel to each other. To create a woven fiber (1) that closely resembles a natural fiber in its haptic and visual appearance and is easy to manufacture, the invention proposes that the projections (3) have a triangular cross-section. The invention further relates to a method for producing such a woven fiber (1).