Flexible Fabric Binding Device for Variable Thickness Paper

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional binding devices, such as ring binders, often require rigid metal or plastic parts, which are expensive, difficult to recycle, and do not adjust to the thickness of the materials they bind, leading to inefficient storage and potential injuries from sharp edges.

Innovation Solution

A binding device made from a flexible sheet of material that adjusts its thickness automatically by using a tie formed from the same material, with openings that allow the tie to bend at acute angles, providing gripping power without the need for rigid parts, and can be secured using fasteners like hook-and-loop fasteners or glue.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If rigid metal or plastic parts are used in binding devices, then the binding device can provide strong binding force, but it increases manufacturing cost, reduces recyclability, and creates potential injury risks from sharp edges

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebinding forceVSAvoidmanufacturing cost and recyclability

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material parameter from rigid (metal/plastic) to flexible (fabric/elastic material), transforming the binding mechanism from rigid mechanical interlocking to flexible tension-based binding. This allows the binding device to maintain strength while being cut from simple fabric pieces, reducing manufacturing complexity and improving recyclability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The binding device is designed as a simple fabric piece that can be easily manufactured and potentially disposed of or recycled. The simplicity of the fabric-based design eliminates the need for expensive rigid components, making it an economical and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional rigid binding devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Stability of the object's composition

If rigid rings with fixed dimensions are used, then the binding device structure is stable, but it cannot adjust to different material thicknesses, leading to inefficient storage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidadjustability to different thicknesses

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the static, fixed-dimension rigid ring into a dynamic flexible fabric structure that can adapt its shape and dimensions. The fabric binding device can stretch and conform to different thicknesses of bound materials, providing both structural stability through tension and adaptability to varying sizes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a flexible fabric sheet instead of rigid rings, allowing the binding device to conform to different material thicknesses. The flexibility of the fabric enables it to wrap around and secure various sizes of bound materials while maintaining structural integrity through tension.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Reliability

If the binding device exceeds the exterior dimensions of bound items, then it provides adequate binding coverage, but it reduces storage efficiency and increases overall size

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebinding coverageVSAvoidoverall device size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The fabric binding device is designed to be cut to size based on the specific binding needs, eliminating excess material. The device adapts to the exact dimensions required for each binding task, providing adequate coverage without unnecessary excess that would increase storage volume.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 flexible binding device securely holds materials of varying thicknesses without exceeding their dimensions, allowing for efficient storage and reducing material waste and potential injuries, while being economically and environmentally friendly.

Implementation Method 1

opposite edges of the tie engage inner edges of the first opening to secure the tie at the first opening

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

hook-and-loop fasteners, glue, or other fastener arrangements that can secure the tie

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Fastening: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentUS11613141B2Binding device for paper and other items

Publication Date: 2023.03.28 TUSZYNSKI JACEK

AI summary

A binding device for hole-punched paper and other items can be made from a sheet of material without necessarily requiring metal or plastic parts. The device can include a tie and an arrangement of openings cut in a sheet of material to secure the tie in place and withstand the load of bonded hole-punched paper or other items. Some devices can exhibit flexible thickness, adjusting automatically to the thickness of items being bonded.