Method of making a fitted sheet
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for making fitted sheets often result in inconsistent fit and comfort due to uneven distribution and orientation of elastic bands, which can lead to poor snugness over mattresses.
Innovation Solution
A method involving affixing a plurality of elastic members along the lateral side edge portions of a sheet material, cutting to a predetermined length, cutting out corners, and forming these corners by affixing edge portions, with a specific orientation of elastic members on end side panels to ensure a secure fit over a mattress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If elastic bands are sewn into the skirt surrounding the top panel, then the sheet can fit over a mattress, but the fit becomes inconsistent and uncomfortable due to uneven distribution and orientation of elastic bands
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic members are divided into multiple discrete units distributed along the lateral side edge portions rather than using a continuous elastic band. This segmentation allows for more precise control over elastic distribution and orientation, resolving the inconsistency in fit while maintaining comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the sheet are equipped with elastic members based on specific functional requirements. Elastic members are affixed to lateral side edge portions where they are needed for fit, while other areas remain without elastic members, creating localized elastic properties that improve both fit consistency and comfort.
2Stability of the object's composition
If elastic members are affixed to all side panels, then the sheet provides uniform tension, but this increases manufacturing complexity and material usage
Solution Approach 1:
Elastic members are selectively affixed only to lateral side edge portions rather than uniformly distributing them across all side panels. This localized approach maintains sufficient elastic tension uniformity in critical areas while reducing manufacturing complexity and material usage.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of applying elastic members to all side panels (excessive action), the invention applies them only to the necessary lateral side edge portions (partial action), achieving the required tension uniformity without unnecessary complexity.
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 ensures a snug and comfortable fit of the fitted sheet over a mattress by evenly distributing elastic tension, enhancing the sheet's ability to conform to the mattress shape, thereby improving user comfort and durability.
Implementation Method 1
A plurality of elastic members is affixed to the lateral side edge portions of the sheet material
Data Source
AI summary
A method of making a fitted sheet includes the steps of: affixing a plurality of elastic members along the lateral side edge portions of a sheet material, cutting the sheet material to a pre-determined length, cutting out corners from the sheet material of a pre-determined length, and forming corners in the sheet material of pre-determined length by affixing edge portions of the corners. A fitted sheet has a top portion with two lateral side panels and two end side panels. Each side panel may be at an angle to the top portion. Each side panel has lateral edge portions. The lateral edge portion of one side panel may be affixed to the lateral edge portion of the adjacent side panel. A plurality of elastic members is affixed to opposing side panels. No plurality of elastic members is affixed to the other side panels.