Reclosable Fastener Spacer for Headliner Surface Evenness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional reclosable fastening systems, such as 3M™ Dual Lock™ and Velcro® hook and loop products, are limited in their overall height or thickness, leading to issues like uneven surfaces and creases when used in applications like automobile headliner and sheet metal roof assembly.
Innovation Solution
A reclosable fastener riser/spacer device comprising a spacer member and a main spacer retainer member, which can be injection molded from materials like ABS or polypropylene, and secured using hot-melt glue, sonic welding, or pressure sensitive adhesive to increase the useable height of these systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If reclosable fasteners are used with limited height, then the fastening system is simple and compact, but gaps appear between parts requiring headliner pushing which creates creases and folds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a spacer member as an intermediary component between the reclosable fastener and the headliner. This spacer fills the gap between the fastener and the headliner surface, eliminating the need to push the headliner inward and preventing creases and folds. The spacer acts as a mediator that resolves the conflict between maintaining a compact fastener height and achieving a smooth, even surface.
2Ease of operation
If reclosable fastener height is increased to fill gaps, then surface evenness is improved, but the fastening system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the spacer member with the reclosable fastener into an integrated assembly. The spacer is positioned within the fastener structure and secured to it, creating a unified component that functions as a single unit. This merging approach increases surface evenness while minimizing the increase in overall system complexity, as the spacer and fastener work together as a coordinated system rather than separate components.
Data Source
AI summary
A plastic spacer/riser to increase useable height of a reclosable fastening system, such as 3M™ Dual Lock™ or Velcro® hook and loop products. The spacer/riser is adapted to be held in place on an external substrate with hot-melt glue, sonic welds, pressure sensitive adhesives, or screws.