Conductive Wire Wrapped Hook and Loop Fastener for Electrostatic Dissipation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Adhesive fasteners made from insulating materials can lead to electrostatic charging, causing discomfort and disrupting electronic systems due to their electrically insulating properties.
Innovation Solution
A touch-and-close fastener element with an electrically non-conductive carrier featuring a conductor wire looped around it, allowing for electrostatic charge dissipation and potential use as a heating element, with winding patterns that form a conductive network within the adhesive surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If adhesive fasteners are made from insulating materials, then the adhesive fastener provides good electrical insulation, but electrostatic charging occurs causing discomfort and disrupting electronic systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by incorporating conductive elements (metal wires or conductive threads) only in specific locations within the adhesive fastener structure. The carrier remains insulating for overall insulation, while localized conductive paths are created to dissipate electrostatic charges. This is achieved by embedding conductive elements in the carrier or adhesive layer at strategic positions to provide charge dissipation without compromising the insulating properties of the main fastener structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by combining insulating carrier materials (such as polyester or polyamide) with conductive elements (metal wires, conductive threads, or conductive particles). This creates a hybrid structure where the insulating base material provides electrical isolation while the embedded conductive components provide electrostatic discharge pathways. The composite structure allows simultaneous achievement of both insulation and charge dissipation functions.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If conductive elements are added to dissipate electrostatic charges, then electrostatic charging is reduced, but the electrical insulation performance may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive elements are placed locally within the adhesive fastener structure rather than making the entire structure conductive. The insulating carrier material maintains its insulating properties overall, while localized conductive paths are created only where needed for charge dissipation. This localized approach ensures that the bulk insulation performance is preserved while providing targeted electrostatic discharge capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesive layer serves as an intermediary medium that embeds and isolates the conductive elements. The adhesive material surrounds and separates the conductive wires or threads, preventing direct electrical contact between them while allowing the conductive elements to function for charge dissipation. This intermediary adhesive layer maintains electrical insulation while enabling electrostatic discharge functionality.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If conductor wire is looped around the carrier, then electrostatic charges can be dissipated and heating function is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conductor wire looped around the carrier performs multiple functions simultaneously: it dissipates electrostatic charges through its conductive path and can also function as a heating element when electrical current is applied. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate components for charge dissipation and heating, thereby reducing overall device complexity despite the added winding step in manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the electrostatic discharge function and heating function into a single conductor wire component. The same wire that provides a path for electrostatic charge dissipation also serves as the heating element when powered. This consolidation of functions into one element simplifies the overall device architecture compared to using separate components for each 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
Effectively dissipates electrostatic charges and can function as a heating element, preventing issues like freezing in extreme conditions while maintaining the adhesive fastener's functionality.
Implementation Method 1
at least one electrical conductor wire (14) is arranged within the adhesive surface (6)
Implementation Method 2
can function as a heating element, preventing issues like freezing in extreme conditions
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a hook and loop fastener element having an electrically non-conductive carrier (4), preferably made of a plastic material, defining a gripping surface (6) from which gripping elements (8) extend that can engage with counter-elements for forming a hook and loop closure, at least one electrical conductor (14) being present within the gripping surface (6), characterized in that the carrier is provided in the form of a carrier band defining a longitudinal axis, and that said band is wrapped by the at least one conductor over at least part of the length thereof.