Removable Templates for Mark-Free Fabric Character Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for mounting strings of alphanumeric characters on fabrics either alter the fabric's elasticity or leave aesthetically unpleasant marks due to connection elements, and are time-consuming or require precise sequential steps.

Innovation Solution

A method using removable positioning templates with independent seats for characters and supporting elements, allowing simultaneous mounting without altering fabric elasticity and eliminating connection marks, utilizing common equipment for efficient and cost-effective alignment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a single rigid string is fixed onto the fabric in a single operation by punching or riveting, then the mounting time is reduced and alignment is maintained, but the elasticity and flexibility of the fabric are locally eliminated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting timeVSAvoidfabric elasticity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The string is divided into individual character elements that are mounted separately on the fabric rather than as a single rigid piece. Each character can be independently positioned and fixed, allowing the fabric to maintain its elasticity and flexibility while still achieving efficient mounting through the use of positioning means that hold multiple characters in correct alignment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If one character is fixed at a time by sewing or other methods, then the fabric elasticity and flexibility are preserved, but the mounting time increases and alignment between characters may be lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefabric elasticityVSAvoidmounting time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Positioning means are used to pre-position and hold multiple character elements in their correct relative positions before mounting. This preliminary arrangement ensures proper alignment is maintained throughout the mounting process, allowing characters to be fixed individually without losing alignment, thereby reducing total mounting time while preserving fabric flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If connecting feet are used to attach characters to positioning bars, then simultaneous mounting is achieved, but visible marks are left on the edges of characters after separation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting operation efficiencyVSAvoidaesthetic marks on characters
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The connection function is extracted from the positioning means themselves. Instead of characters being connected to bars by feet that leave marks, the positioning means simply hold the characters in correct positions during mounting. The characters are then separated from the positioning means without any connecting elements remaining, thus eliminating visible marks while maintaining mounting efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP2434471B1Method for mounting strings of alphanumeric characters or symbols on fabrics, and related string
Publication Date: 2015.10.21 METALBUTTONS
  • EP2434471B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2434471B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2434471B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method for mounting strings of alphanumeric characters or symbols on fabrics, comprising: - a first step of positioning a string (1) of alphanumeric characters or symbols (7) in low-relief on a first presser (11) of a press (50), - a second step of positioning a string of supporting elements (22) on a second presser (31) of the press (50) which correspond to the alphanumeric characters or symbols (7) in low-relief, - a third step of positioning a fabric (41) onto which the alphanumeric characters or symbols (7) in low-relief are to be fixed between the first and second pressers (11, 31), - a press closing step for pressing the alphanumeric characters or symbols in low-relief onto the corresponding supporting elements (22) with the fabric (41) interposed for the mutual fixing of the alphanumeric characters or symbols (7) in low-relief with the corresponding supporting elements (22), - a press opening step for extracting the fabric (41) from the press (50), wherein the alphanumeric characters or symbols (7) are mounted prior to the first step in a first mounting template (3), which defines a plurality of mutually independent seats (17), one for each one of the alphanumeric characters or symbols (7), the first mounting template (3) being removable once the characters have been fixed, and in that a second mounting template (20) is provided, which defines a plurality of mutually independent seats (10), one for each one of the supporting elements (22) that correspond to the alphanumeric characters or symbols (7), the second mounting template being removable once the characters or symbols have been fixed.