Double-Sided Loop Strap With Discrete Bonded Regions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing double-sided loop straps used in touch fastener products, such as medical and sports applications, face challenges in providing both comfort and breathability while maintaining structural integrity and grip, as they often rely on adhesives or sewing which can compromise air permeability and flexibility.

Innovation Solution

A method of forming a double-sided loop strap by folding longitudinal edges of a loop material strip inward and permanently bonding them to create discrete bonded regions, allowing for a breathable and flexible design with a non-slip grip surface, using heat staking and grip materials with high coefficients of friction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If adhesives or sewing are used to secure folded edges in double-sided loop straps, then structural integrity is improved, but air permeability and flexibility deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidair permeability

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The bonding is segmented into discrete bonded regions rather than continuous bonding. The folded edges are secured at specific intervals along the longitudinal edges, creating separate bonded zones that allow air to pass through unbonded areas while maintaining structural integrity at critical points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the strap have different bonding characteristics. The folded edges have discrete bonded regions for structural support, while the central area remains unbonded to maintain breathability and flexibility. This local differentiation allows each region to optimize its function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Stability of the object's composition

If continuous bonding is used to secure folded edges, then structural stability is improved, but flexibility and breathability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidflexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The continuous bonding is divided into discrete bonded regions spaced along the longitudinal edges. This segmentation provides structural stability at bonded points while allowing the unbonded portions to flex and move, maintaining the strap's adaptability for wrapping around body parts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Object-affected harmful factors

If discrete bonded regions are used instead of continuous bonding, then air permeability is improved, but bonding strength may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveair permeabilityVSAvoidbonding strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The bonded regions are strategically positioned at the folded edges where structural support is most needed, while the central area remains unbonded for breathability. This localized bonding approach concentrates bonding strength where required without sacrificing overall air permeability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple discrete bonded regions are distributed along the longitudinal edges, providing cumulative bonding strength that matches or exceeds continuous bonding while allowing air passage through the spaces between bonded regions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Reliability

If grip material is added to create a non-slip surface, then grip is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovegripVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The strap combines loop material with grip material in a composite structure. The grip material is applied to specific surfaces (such as the outer surface of folded edges) to provide non-slip properties, while the underlying loop material maintains breathability and flexibility. This composite approach adds grip functionality without requiring a completely different structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 enhances breathability, flexibility, and structural stability while providing a non-slip surface, improving user comfort and performance in applications like medical devices and sports equipment by maintaining air permeability and grip without compromising closure performance.

Implementation Method 1

permanently bonding includes heat staking overlapped areas of the base

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat staking:

Implementation Method 2

grip materials with high coefficients of friction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS11246381B2Double-sided fasteners

Publication Date: 2022.02.15 VELCRO IP HOLDINGS LLC

AI summary

A method for forming a double-sided loop strap includes: receiving a continuous longitudinal strip of loop material including a strip-form base bearing a field of upstanding loops on a fastening side of the strip bounded by opposite longitudinal edges, folding each of the longitudinal edges away from the fastening side, such that the base overlaps itself, and securing the folded edges in place by permanently bonding together overlapped areas of the base to form the double-sided loop strap.