Fabric Prickle Tester Using Circular Motion and Force Sensors
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for objectively measuring fabric prickle are subjective, unreliable, and limited in their ability to accurately assess the prickle properties of various fabrics due to factors like fiber length, bending, and thickness, leading to inconsistent results across different types of textiles.
Innovation Solution
A device utilizing a circular movement with special measurement sensors and a sample holder designed for different fabric thicknesses, which simulates the skin-fabric interaction to measure the coefficient of prickle through dynamic friction, allowing for precise detection of stiff and short fibers that cause prickle, and accommodating a wide range of fabric types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If subjective measurement methods (Forearm Method) are used to evaluate fabric prickle, then the assessment can be performed with simple equipment, but the measurement reliability is low due to variability in panelist sensitivity, gender, and age
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the subjective human sensory system with an objective mechanical measurement system. A measuring head equipped with force sensors quantifies the prickle sensation through mechanical interaction with the fabric, converting subjective human perception into objective mechanical data that can be consistently measured and compared across different fabrics and test conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a mechanical model that copies the human skin-fabric interaction. The measuring head with its specific contact area and force application mechanism replicates the essential characteristics of human skin contact with fabric, allowing objective measurement while maintaining the relevance of the test to actual human sensation
2Area of stationary object
If a large surface area is scanned in the measurement device, then more fabric can be tested, but the measurement sensitivity decreases due to high numerical values of force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the measurement process into discrete, localized interactions. The measuring head contacts the fabric at specific points rather than scanning large areas continuously, segmenting the fabric surface into manageable test zones. This allows sensitive local measurements while still evaluating overall fabric properties through multiple discrete contact points
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by using a measuring head with a specifically designed small contact area that concentrates the measurement force on localized regions of the fabric. This localized approach increases measurement sensitivity by focusing the interaction on specific fiber ends rather than distributing force over a large area, while the overall fabric assessment is achieved through multiple localized measurements
3Reliability
If compression testing is performed on fabric, then the compressibility property can be measured, but the prickle measurement becomes unreliable due to high number of fibers in contact area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the prickle measurement function from the general compression testing process. Rather than using compression to measure prickle, the invention uses a specialized measuring head that applies controlled local forces to specifically detect prickle-causing fiber ends, separating the prickle assessment from bulk compression properties and eliminating the interference from high fiber contact numbers
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 device achieves a high correlation (over 80%) between objective and subjective prickle measurements, enabling accurate assessment of fabric prickle across various fabrics, including thin and thick types, with improved measurement sensitivity and precision, and the ability to test small samples effectively.
Implementation Method 1
simulates the skin-fabric interaction to measure the coefficient of prickle through dynamic friction
Data Source
AI summary
A test device for determining the prickle property of the fabrics objectively includes nails on a measuring head fixed in an upper region of the test device, wherein the nails come in the contact with stiff fibers. The test device also includes an operation panel, a light source, a camera, a sample holder. The measurement uses a circular movement of the fabric instead of a linear movement unlike the previous studies. The measuring head does not apply any pressure on the fabric, only by lowering the measurement head, the nails squeezed in the head penetrate in the hairs of the fabric. In this situation, during the movement of the head, prickle force caused by the fiber ends can be detected. With the test device, it is possible to test both woven and knitted fabrics.