Centering template for devices for applying inserts on laminar supports and a device incorporating the same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for applying alphanumeric inserts on laminar products, such as leather or fabric, face challenges including loss of elasticity, long mounting times, misalignment, and aesthetic deterioration due to machining residues, while also limiting customization options and requiring prior planning of the insert design.
Innovation Solution
A centering template system with a main support body and a centering element that allows for precise alignment and positioning of inserts on laminar portions, enabling correct axial and oblique placement regardless of the accessory's shape, with elastic elements for easy movement and a containment system to maintain the laminar portion's position during application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single rigid string of inserts is fixed to the fabric in a single operation, then the mounting time is reduced and alignment is maintained, but the fabric loses its elasticity and flexibility at the fixed location
Solution Approach 1:
The insert string is divided into individual character inserts that are fixed separately to the fabric, allowing each insert to be applied independently while maintaining fabric flexibility and elasticity in the surrounding areas
2Object-generated harmful factors
If individual characters are fixed one at a time to the fabric, then the fabric maintains its elasticity and flexibility, but the mounting time increases and alignment between characters is difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
A support structure with pre-defined seats serves as an intermediary tool to hold multiple individual character inserts in correct alignment before they are applied to the fabric, enabling efficient sequential mounting while maintaining both alignment and fabric flexibility
3Ease of manufacture
If multiple characters are cast as a single insert, then the mounting process is simplified, but machining residues and burrs deteriorate the aesthetic value of the inserts
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of casting multiple characters as a single integrated insert, the solution uses separate individual character inserts that are applied separately to the fabric, eliminating the aesthetic problems of machining residues while maintaining manufacturing efficiency
4Manufacturing precision
If a fixed support bearing pre-aligned inserts is used, then perfect alignment and positioning of characters is achieved, but customization flexibility is limited as the string must be decided in advance
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is designed to be removable and reconfigurable, allowing different combinations of character inserts to be mounted on it for different customization orders, thus maintaining perfect alignment capability while providing full customization flexibility
5Device complexity
If characters are applied without a centering system, then the device complexity is reduced, but the positioning accuracy and aesthetic appearance of the applied characters deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
A centering template with pre-defined geometric seats and alignment features serves as an intermediary tool that guides the positioning of individual character inserts, ensuring precise alignment and aesthetic appearance without requiring complex automated positioning systems
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a template and a related method for the application of inserts in the form of letters, numbers or symbols on leather, fabrics, cloth, or similar laminar products to customize them. The centering template comprises a main support body (101) having a centering system (106) to allow an engagement of the template (100) in pre-fixed position to a base (3a) of a press (3); and a centering element (102) configured to receive in pre-fixed position at least a laminar portion (103) of an accessory (104). The centering element (102) has a through seat (105) for the inserts (11) and it is movable with respect to the main support body (101) between an extracted resting position in which an upper surface (102a) of the centering element (102) is moved away from the main support body (101) and a working position in which the upper surface (102a) of the centering element (102) is approached to the main support body (101). The template allows the correct positioning of the characters on the accessory both in terms of alignment, and in terms of distance from the edges and from the other inserts of the accessory (handles, buckles, etc. . . . ) and regardless of the shape assumed by the laminar portion itself.