Composite Click Fastener Structure for Clean Quick Closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hook and loop fasteners face issues such as high production costs, loss of effectiveness over time, accumulation of debris, damage to loosely woven items, and moisture absorption, leading to hygiene concerns.
Innovation Solution
Composite fasteners comprising click elements with pins arranged in a regular grid pattern, featuring anchoring segments and recesses with specific radii differences, allowing for a clamping effect when clicked together, and optionally made from flexible materials or combined with adhesives for enhanced durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If hook and loop fasteners are used, then quick closure and ease of operation are achieved, but production cost increases and effectiveness is lost over time
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener is divided into two separate click elements (first and second) that can be independently manufactured and assembled. Each element has discrete pins with specific geometries that interlock, allowing for modular replacement and reduced degradation over time compared to integrated hook-and-loop systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses pins made from flexible materials that combine different material properties within each click element. This composite approach enhances durability and maintains effectiveness over time while preserving the quick closure functionality.
2Ease of operation
If hook and loop fasteners are used, then quick closure is achieved, but debris accumulation occurs in hooks
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the debris-trapping hooks from the system and replaces them with smooth pins that have anchoring segments. The pins interlock through geometric engagement rather than hooking, preventing hair, dust, and fur from becoming entangled while maintaining the quick closure function.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using hooks that trap debris, the invention inverts the approach by using pins with anchoring segments that engage through a different mechanism. The pins click together through complementary geometries (anchoring segments fitting into recesses) rather than hooking, which eliminates the debris accumulation problem.
3Ease of operation
If hook and loop fasteners are used, then quick closure is achieved, but damage occurs to loosely woven items
Solution Approach 1:
The click elements are designed as durable, replaceable components that can be easily detached and replaced if needed. The pins with anchoring segments provide secure engagement without the need for aggressive hooks, reducing damage risk to garments while maintaining strong fastening capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention inverts the traditional hook-and-loop mechanism by using pins that click together through geometric interlocking rather than hooking. This reversal eliminates the snagging and tearing problems associated with hooks on loosely woven fabrics while preserving quick closure functionality.
4Ease of operation
If hook and loop fasteners are used, then quick closure is achieved, but moisture absorption occurs leading to hygiene issues
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the fabric-based hook-and-loop surfaces that absorb moisture and perspiration. Instead, it uses smooth pins and click elements that do not retain moisture, eliminating the source of hygiene problems while maintaining the quick closure function.
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 solution provides a strong, quiet, and easy-to-clean fastening system with higher resistance to lateral forces, reducing noise and debris accumulation, while being adaptable and cost-effective, suitable for various applications including medical and industrial uses.
Implementation Method 1
the pins of a first click element for two anchored click elements at rest, coincide with the recesses under the anchoring segments of the pins of the second click element and vice versa, such that they fit into the recesses
Implementation Method 2
The pins are preferably made of a flexible material
Data Source
AI summary
The invention concerns an improved means of joining two surfaces with flexible elements on them that, when the two surfaces are placed against each other, grip each other clampingly.