Double Pin Seaming Element for Adaptable Industrial Textile Joining

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing seaming elements for industrial textiles lack a distinct and separate seaming element unit that can be effectively attached to various types of industrial textiles, both woven and non-woven, single-layered and multilayered, to provide efficient tensile load distribution and securement.

Innovation Solution

A double pin seaming element constructed from a single layer of polymeric film, folded to create a fold region and arms with aligned protrusions, divided into outer and inner securing regions by a rib member or constriction zone, allowing for interdigitatable channels to receive securing means like pintles, which can be bonded to the textile using methods like laser welding or adhesive bonding.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a separate seaming element unit is provided for later attachment to various types of industrial textile, then adaptability to different textiles is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for separate attachment mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different textilesVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The seaming element is designed with a universal structure that can be attached to various types of industrial textiles (woven, non-woven, single-layered, multilayered) through bonding methods. The element provides multiple functions: structural support, load distribution, and securement mechanism, eliminating the need for different seaming elements for different textile types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The seaming element is divided into distinct functional regions: a body portion for bonding to the textile, and a looped region for receiving and securing the pintle. This segmentation allows each region to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Strength

If two or more looped regions are provided to create multiple channels, then tensile load distribution is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetensile load distributionVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The seaming element combines multiple looped regions (first and second looped regions) into a single integrated structure formed from one continuous piece of material. This merging approach provides improved tensile load distribution through multiple channels while avoiding the complexity of assembling separate components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The element utilizes dimensional parameters and geometric configuration (loop size, spacing, and arrangement) to optimize tensile load distribution. By carefully selecting these parameters, the element achieves superior strength characteristics without increasing structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of manufacture

If the seaming element is constructed from folded layers of film, then manufacturing flexibility is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase to ensure proper bonding and alignment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing flexibilityVSAvoidbonding and alignment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The seaming element is constructed from thin polymeric film that is folded to create the body and looped regions. This flexible film construction allows for easy manufacturing through folding and forming operations, while the film's properties enable reliable bonding to both the textile and itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The element employs a nested construction where one layer of film is folded inside another layer, creating a compact yet structurally sound configuration. This nesting approach maintains manufacturing simplicity while ensuring proper alignment and bonding surfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 secure and efficient seaming mechanism that minimizes discontinuity and unevenness, allowing for effective tensile load distribution and secure attachment to different types of industrial textiles, enhancing the durability and reliability of the seam.

Implementation Method 1

bonded to the textile using methods like laser welding or adhesive bonding

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser welding: Laser Beam Welding

Implementation Method 2

bonded to the textile using methods like laser welding or adhesive bonding

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesive bonding: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentEP3036368B1Double pin seaming element
Publication Date: 2021.10.13 ASTENJOHNSON INC
  • EP3036368B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3036368B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3036368B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A seaming element for an industrial textile, and methods of manufacture. The seaming element body is constructed from a single layer of polymeric film that is folded to provide a fold region and arms that comprise a first region, and a further second region. The first region is bonded to surfaces of an edge region of the textile, while the second region comprises a plurality of spaced-apart aligned protrusions extending from the first region, each protrusion comprising an interior space defined by an upper layer; a lower layer; and a loop at the fold region that connects the upper and lower layers. The interior space is divided into an outer securing region and an inner securing region by either a rib member placed between and bonded to an inner surface of at least one of the upper and lower layer, or by bonding a portion of the upper layer with a portion of the lower layer at a constriction zone. The outer securing region is interdigitatable and alignable with the inner securing region of a corresponding second seaming element bonded to another region of the textile, to define a first channel; and the inner securing region is interdigitatable and alignable with the outer securing region of the corresponding second seaming element, to define a second channel. A securing element is placed in the two channels.