Composite Hook-and-Loop Fastener for Wash-Resistant Cleaning Pads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing touch-and-close fastener systems, used in cleaning applications like mops, face issues with stability and longevity due to uniform material composition, which leads to delamination and reduced effectiveness under frequent washing and disinfection, especially when high temperatures and aggressive cleaners are involved.
Innovation Solution
A flat touch-and-close fastener element with a thread system composed of different materials, such as polyamide and polyester, where polyamide threads provide a rough surface for finishes and polyester threads are hydrophobic, combined with the option of adding electrically conductive fibers like carbon, and metal threads for heating, to enhance durability and disinfection capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If uniform material composition is used for the thread system, then basic stability is achieved and pile threads resist removal, but the fastener loses fastening ability after frequent washing at high temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different material properties to different thread components. The base fabric uses thermally stable polyester threads for structural integrity, while the pile threads use polyamide with melting point 180-220°C to provide fastening functionality that activates at specific temperature ranges during washing, thus resolving the contradiction between stability and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials by combining polyester and polyamide threads in a single fastener system. This composite structure allows the base fabric to maintain dimensional stability through polyester while the polyamide pile threads provide temperature-responsive fastening properties, enabling the fastener to regain fastening ability after washing cycles that would degrade uniform material systems.
2Reliability
If high temperatures are used for washing to achieve disinfection, then sterilization is improved, but the thread system suffers degradation and loss of fastening function
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by selecting polyamide with a specific melting point range (180-220°C) that is higher than typical washing temperatures (up to 95°C for disinfection). This parameter selection allows the pile threads to withstand repeated high-temperature washing cycles without degradation, maintaining both disinfection capability and service life.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning by pre-selecting thermally stable materials that can withstand anticipated washing conditions. The polyester base fabric and polyamide pile threads are chosen for their thermal stability, providing a buffer against temperature-induced degradation during frequent disinfection washing, thus extending the fastener's service life.
3Productivity
If aggressive cleansers are used for cleaning, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but the thread system experiences delamination and fabric degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using polyester for the base fabric threads where chemical resistance is critical, and polyamide for the pile threads where fastening function is prioritized. The polyester base provides resistance to aggressive cleansers, preventing delamination and fabric degradation, while allowing the polyamide pile to maintain its fastening properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials with polyester and polyamide threads where polyester's chemical resistance protects the base fabric from aggressive cleanser damage, while polyamide provides the necessary fastening functionality. This material combination allows effective cleaning without compromising fabric integrity.
4Reliability
If the pile threads are made from monofilament threads, then resilient locking hooks can be formed, but the threads are vulnerable to removal from the ground fabric
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using monofilament polyamide threads for the pile where fastening function is needed, while using multifilament polyester threads for the base fabric where structural stability is required. The monofilament construction enables resilient locking hooks to form, while the robust polyester base prevents thread removal.
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 robust and enduring fastener system that withstands numerous washing cycles and maintains effectiveness by preventing delamination, improving static discharge, and allowing for enhanced disinfection through heat treatment, thus extending the product's life and performance.
Implementation Method 1
the polyamide thread is considered relatively rough on the microscopic level, and therefore, offers a favorable receptive base for finishes that are regularly used
Implementation Method 2
another plastic material, the polyester thread, is considered relatively smooth on the microscopic level and, furthermore, is hydrophobic
Implementation Method 3
If the loop ends are thermally treated, for example melted, in the cutting process, mushroom-shaped fastening heads arise during subsequent hardening as fastening elements from the inherent tension behavior of the melted plastic material
Implementation Method 4
by additionally or alternatively introducing electrically conductive fiber material, such as in the form of carbon fibers, the static discharge of the touch-and-close fastener element can be improved
Implementation Method 5
If metal threads with a specifiable electrical resistance are introduced into the overall thread composite system, the touch-and-close fastener material can be heated by connecting the metal threads to a corresponding electricity source
Data Source
AI summary
A flat touch-and-close fastener element, which is detachably connected to a second touch-and-close fastener element, thereby forms a touch-and-close closure. The fastener element has a system of threads (10) of warp and weft threads, as well as pile threads. The individual threads have different chemical and/or physical properties and, for this purpose, are formed of different materials.