Flat-Head Pin Ribs for Easier Grip in Tough Fabrics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flat-head sewing pins are difficult to grip and manipulate, especially when penetrating tougher materials like denim, leading to user discomfort and inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
A flat-head pin design featuring a tapered cuboid shape with transverse gripping ribs spaced at a distance of 0.7 mm to 1.25 mm, preferably 1 mm, and 3-5 ribs for improved grip and ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a flat head pin is designed with a simple smooth surface, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the pin is difficult to grip and manipulate
Solution Approach 1:
The pin head features transverse gripping ribs that are localized on specific portions of the head surface, creating areas of increased friction and grip without requiring complex overall head geometry. This allows the majority of the pin head to remain simple and easy to manufacture while providing enhanced grip where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The gripping ribs are designed with curved or rounded surfaces rather than sharp edges, creating a tactile profile that is easier to grip. The curved surfaces of the ribs provide better finger contact and control when manipulating the pin, especially when penetrating tough materials.
2Ease of operation
If the pin head is made with many closely spaced gripping ribs, then the grip is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using numerous closely spaced ribs throughout the entire pin head, the design employs a limited number of gripping ribs (typically 3-5) spaced at larger intervals. This partial action approach provides sufficient grip enhancement without imposing stringent precision requirements on rib spacing and placement.
Solution Approach 2:
The design optimizes the spacing parameter between gripping ribs to fall within a specific range (0.7 mm to 1.25 mm, preferably 1 mm) that balances grip effectiveness with manufacturing feasibility. This parameter optimization ensures adequate grip without requiring excessive manufacturing precision.
3Ease of operation
If the pin head is made with a tapered cuboid shape with gripping ribs, then the ease of handling is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pin head is segmented into distinct functional zones: a tapered cuboid body providing structural integrity and a flat top surface for stability, and transverse gripping ribs providing enhanced grip. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function while keeping the overall design relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The pin head employs an asymmetric tapered cuboid shape rather than a symmetric cylindrical or spherical form. The taper provides ergonomic advantages for handling, while the flat top surface offers a stable landing area when the pin is inserted into fabric, improving overall handling ease without significantly increasing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A flat-head pin includes: (a) a pin shaft with a pin point; (b) a flat pin head affixed to an end of the pin shaft distal to the pin point; wherein the flat pin head is characterized by a cuboid shape, preferably a tapered cuboid shape with a plurality of transverse gripping ribs spaced a distance, s, from each other. The flat pin head is characterized by a tapered cuboid shape with a plurality of transverse gripping ribs spaced a distance, s, preferably wherein the distance s is relatively large and there are relatively few gripping ribs, such as 3-5 transverse gripping ribs.