Fastener Tape Yarn Density for Stretch and Distinguishability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastener tapes with enhanced stretch properties or softness are often confused with those without these features, leading to potential wrinkles and appearance issues in applications like clothing, as the introduction of a chain-stitch structure can compromise the stretch properties or softness of the tape.
Innovation Solution
A fastener tape design featuring a first side-edge portion with chain-stitch yarns, a tape main portion with multiple chain-stitch yarns, and a second side-edge portion without chain-stitch yarns, creating a difference in yarn density to distinguish and enhance stretch properties or softness, while avoiding the need for reconfiguring knitting machines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a chain-stitch structure is knitted into the tape main portion to enhance stretch properties or softness, then the stretch properties or softness are improved, but the tape loses its ability to be distinguished from tapes without enhanced stretch properties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a specific region (first side-edge portion) with chain-stitch yarns that differs from other regions. This localized chain-stitch structure provides visual distinction through yarn density differences while maintaining the overall stretch properties of the tape through selective placement rather than universal application.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses yarn density variations (analogous to color changes) to create distinguishable regions. The chain-stitch yarns in the first side-edge portion create a visually distinct pattern that allows identification of enhanced stretch properties without compromising the functional integrity of the tape.
2Ease of operation
If chain-stitch yarns are distributed throughout the entire tape to provide uniform enhancement, then stretch properties are improved uniformly, but the tape structure becomes too complex and loses softness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by restricting chain-stitch yarns to specific regions (first side-edge portion and tape main portion) rather than distributing them uniformly throughout the entire tape. This selective localization reduces structural complexity while maintaining the necessary stretch properties in critical areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the tape into distinct functional regions: a first side-edge portion with chain-stitch yarns for enhanced stretch, a tape main portion with chain-stitch yarns for structural integrity, and a second side-edge portion without chain-stitch yarns for simplicity and softness. This segmentation allows each region to optimize its properties independently.
3Ease of operation
If chain-stitch yarns are added to enhance stretch properties, then the stretch properties are improved, but the yarn density increases which may compromise softness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating chain-stitch yarns in specific regions (first side-edge portion and tape main portion) rather than distributing them uniformly. This localized approach provides the necessary stretch enhancement where needed while maintaining lower yarn density in other areas to preserve softness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the yarn distribution to create regions with different densities. The first side-edge portion and tape main portion have higher yarn density for stretch properties, while the second side-edge portion has lower yarn density for softness, achieving a balance between these competing requirements.
Data Source
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AI summary
A fastener stringer (7) includes a knitted fastener tape (5); and a fastener element (6) attached to the fastener tape (5). The fastener tape (5) includes a first side-edge portion (51) where the fastener element (6) is provided, a second side-edge portion (52) provided at an opposite side of the first side-edge portion (51), and a tape main portion (53) provided between the first and second side-edge portions (51, 52). The first side-edge portion (51) includes one or more chain-stitch yarns formed in one or more wales. The second side-edge portion (52) does not include a chain-stitch yarn. The tape main portion (53) includes M or more chain-stitch yarns formed in M or more wales. M indicates a natural number equal to or greater than one third of the total number of wales included in the fastener tape (5). Difference in yarn density being caused between the tape main portion (53) and the second side-edge portion (52).