Field Repair Patch for Flame-Resistant Textiles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing repair methods for damaged flame-resistant textile clothing and equipment require additional tools, equipment, and expertise, making them impractical for use in field environments, and often compromise the protective properties of the materials.
Innovation Solution
A pre-cut repair patch with a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer applied to a fabric layer, which includes a primer layer for enhanced bonding and flame resistance, allowing for easy application without additional tools or training, and maintaining the protective properties of the clothing or equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional repair methods are used for damaged flame-resistant textile clothing, then the damage can be repaired, but additional tools, equipment, and expertise are required making them impractical for field use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the adhesive, primer, and fabric layers into a single integrated repair patch assembly. The adhesive layer is applied directly to the fabric layer with the primer integrated into the adhesive composition, eliminating the need for separate application steps and tools. This merged structure allows the patch to be applied as a complete unit, requiring no additional equipment or expertise beyond basic application steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesive layer is pre-applied to the fabric layer during manufacturing, and the primer is already incorporated into the adhesive composition. This preliminary preparation means that when the patch is needed in the field, the user simply needs to apply the pre-prepared assembly without needing separate adhesives, primers, or application equipment. The complex preparation steps are performed in advance during manufacturing.
2Strength
If additional adhesive layers and primers are applied to enhance bonding, then the adhesive strength is improved, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the primer and adhesive into a single integrated layer where the primer is incorporated as part of the adhesive composition. This is applied in one step rather than requiring separate application steps for primer and adhesive. The multi-layer structure (fabric layer, integrated primer-adhesive layer, and optional protective layer) is manufactured as a unified assembly, simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining enhanced bonding strength.
3Reliability
If a multi-layer structure with primer and adhesive is used, then the flame resistance and bonding are improved, but the patch structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functional layers into an integrated assembly: the fabric layer provides structural base and flame resistance, the integrated primer-adhesive layer provides both priming and bonding functions in one layer, and optional protective layers add additional functionality. While the assembly has multiple functional components, they are manufactured as a unified pre-prepared unit, so the user receives a single integrated product rather than multiple separate components requiring assembly.
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 repair patch provides durable and flame-resistant adhesion, extending the useful life of the items and ensuring safety by being easily applicable in any environment, withstanding laundering and maintaining structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
The primer layer may form a cohesive link to permanently bond the fabric layer, the primer layer, and the adhesive layer
Implementation Method 2
The adhesive layer may be a pressure sensitive adhesive
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method of manufacture for a repair patch may include a fabric layer, a primer layer applied to the fabric layer, an adhesive layer applied to the primer layer, and a release liner applied to the adhesive layer.