Impermeable Fabric Join Sealing With Cauterization and Hot Taping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for creating impermeable joins in three-layer or two-layer fabrics are inefficient due to the capillary absorption of liquids through stitching, requiring complex and time-consuming preparatory operations like fleshing or shaving, which can damage the fabric and produce waste.
Innovation Solution
A machine that cauterizes the internal layer of the fabric along the joining line, followed by the application of an impermeable adhesive tape, effectively sealing the join without prior treatment, using either compressed super-heated air or irradiation heating to modify the fabric structure and prevent liquid penetration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If stitching operation is performed to join panels, then the fabric can be assembled into garments, but liquid penetration occurs through capillary action in the stitching zone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary fleshing or shaving operations to remove the internal layer along the joining edges before stitching. This exposes the intermediate impermeable layer, which then serves as a barrier to prevent liquid penetration through the stitching zone while allowing the panels to be joined effectively
2Reliability
If fleshing or shaving operations are performed to remove internal layer, then impermeability is improved, but the process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the fleshing/shaving operation with the stitching operation into a single integrated machine and process. The machine simultaneously removes the internal layer and performs stitching in one continuous operation, eliminating the need for separate preparatory steps and reducing overall processing time
3Reliability
If fleshing or shaving operations are performed to remove internal layer, then impermeability is improved, but fabric thickness increases and comfort decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies fleshing or shaving only in the specific zones where panels will be joined, rather than treating the entire fabric surface. This localized approach removes the internal layer only where necessary for impermeability while preserving the original fabric structure and thickness in the body areas, maintaining comfort and wearability
4Reliability
If fleshing or shaving operations are performed to remove internal layer, then impermeability is improved, but fabric strength is reduced due to potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs control systems that monitor and regulate the fleshing or shaving operation parameters in real-time. This feedback control ensures that the internal layer is removed to the precise depth needed to expose the intermediate impermeable layer, preventing excessive removal that could damage the remaining fabric structure and compromise strength
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
This method simplifies the impermeabilization process to two steps, ensuring a reliable and quick impermeable join while maintaining fabric comfort and minimizing thickness, without the need for preparatory operations, thus enhancing efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
heating means suitable to effect a cauterization of the material of the internal layer
Implementation Method 2
application, by means of hot welding, of an adhesive and impermeable tape
Data Source
AI summary
A machine for making an impermeable join between two panels made of three-layer or two-layer textile material including at least an internal layer, already joined along a joining line by way of a stitching operation, simple or complex, or by ultrasound joining or other, includes first movement element able to move the textile material in a direction of feed and impermeabilization element able to achieve the impermeabilization along said joining line and including second movement element able to move an impermeable tape for hot taping with adhesive, in order to determine the hot application and welding on the internal layer along the joining line. The impermeabilization element also comprise heating element suitable to effect a cauterization of the material of the internal layer and positionable directly upstream of the second movement element in the direction of feed, so that the hot taping can be effected immediately after the cauterization.