Button Anchor with Expandable Prongs for Garment Repair
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for attaching buttons to garments are time-consuming, require specialized equipment, and can be costly, often leading to garments being discarded rather than repaired.
Innovation Solution
A button anchor system using a pair of prong-like fasteners made of bendable metal with a non-slip band, which secures the button to the garment without sewing, allowing for easy attachment and removal through a hole-punching tool, and can be made in various sizes for different types of garments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional sewing methods are used to attach buttons, then the button can be securely attached to the garment, but the process becomes time-consuming and requires specialized equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The button attachment system is divided into separate components: a button head and an anchor mechanism with expandable prongs. This segmentation allows the anchor to be inserted through the fabric first, then expanded to secure the button, eliminating the need for time-consuming sewing operations while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchor mechanism is pre-formed with collapsible prongs that can be compressed into a compact state for easy insertion through the fabric. Once inserted, the prongs are expanded to engage with the fabric holes. This preliminary preparation of the anchor in a compressed state enables quick insertion without requiring complex sewing equipment or extensive time.
2Reliability
If traditional sewing methods are used to attach buttons, then the button can be securely attached to the garment, but specialized and expensive equipment is required
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor mechanism is designed to be self-securing through its expandable prong structure. Once inserted through the fabric, the prongs are expanded to engage with the fabric holes and lock the button in place automatically, without requiring specialized sewing machines or complex equipment. The system performs its own attachment function through simple manual manipulation.
3Reliability
If traditional sewing methods are used to attach buttons, then the button can be securely attached to the garment, but the cost of equipment and service becomes significant
Solution Approach 1:
The button anchor system uses simple, inexpensive materials such as plastic or metal for the anchor body and prongs. The design is straightforward enough to be manufactured at low cost, making the overall attachment system more economical than renting or purchasing specialized sewing equipment, even though the anchor itself is intended for permanent use.
4Ease of operation
If the anchor prongs are made expandable to secure the button, then the button can be attached without sewing, but the fabric may expand or deform at the buttonhole location
Solution Approach 1:
A non-slip band is added to specific portions of the anchor mechanism to provide localized friction and grip. This band prevents the anchor from sliding or rotating within the fabric holes after insertion, maintaining the stability of the fabric structure around the buttonhole while still allowing the prongs to expand for secure attachment. The non-slip band is strategically placed where it provides maximum stabilizing effect.
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
Provides a quick, reliable, and cost-effective solution for attaching buttons, allowing for both temporary and permanent securement, and can be used to tighten loose garments or repair torn fabrics.
Implementation Method 1
The anchor part is made of two prongs of a bendable metal, such as stainless steel, aluminum, silver, nickel, brass, bronze, copper, and gold
Implementation Method 2
At the base of the fastener part is a non-slip band made of plastic or rubber. The band keeps the anchor part from separating all the way to the base at the button head. This prevents the fabric from expanding at the primary buttonhole location
Data Source
AI summary
A sewing accessory, namely, a button anchor and attachment system, with a button head and an anchor part. The anchor part includes two prongs that are attached to each other and the button head at the back face of the button head. The button anchor is attached to a garment by using a button anchor hole-puncher tool to punch a hole through the garment, inserting the anchor part of the button anchor in a closed position through the hole, and then bending the two prongs of the anchor part apart into an open position. The button anchor hole-puncher tool has a small blade on the front end and a handle on the back end.