Garment Accessory Mounting via Magnetic Intermediary

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for accessorizing garments often damage the garment due to the use of permanent attachment methods, and there is a need for a simplified system that allows for easy and non-damaging attachment of accessories.

Innovation Solution

A mountable accessorizing apparatus that is shaped and/or shapeable, using attachment components such as frictional surfaces, magnets, pressure-sensitive adhesives, and hooks, to facilitate mounting on a garment without causing disruption, allowing for display components that can be viewed to accessorize or communicate information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If permanent attachment methods (hooks, pins, stitching) are used to affix accessories to garments, then the accessory is securely attached, but the garment is damaged

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment strengthVSAvoidgarment damage
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a magnetic mounting system as an intermediary between the accessory and the garment. Magnets embedded in the accessory interact with magnetic strips or plates attached to the garment, creating a secure bond without direct mechanical penetration or permanent attachment. This intermediary magnetic field allows strong attachment while preserving the garment fabric.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces traditional mechanical attachment methods (stitching, pinning, hooking) with a magnetic field-based attachment system. Instead of using physical forces that require penetration or tension on the fabric, the system uses magnetic attraction and repulsion forces to achieve secure mounting, eliminating the need for mechanical damage to the garment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If traditional accessory attachment methods are used, then the accessory is securely fixed, but the process is complicated and expensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment reliabilityVSAvoidaccessorizing process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting system is segmented into separate components: magnetic elements embedded in the accessory, magnetic strips or plates attached to the garment, and optional mounting surfaces. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall attachment process, making it more reliable and easier to implement than integrated traditional methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic mounting system serves multiple functions: it provides secure attachment, allows for easy removal and repositioning, enables repeated use without damage, and can accommodate various accessory types. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple different attachment mechanisms, simplifying the overall system while improving reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If accessories are repeatedly attached and removed from garments, then versatility is improved, but damage to the garment increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverepeated accessorizing capabilityVSAvoidcumulative garment damage
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic field acts as a reversible intermediary that can be engaged and disengaged without leaving traces on the garment. Each attachment and removal cycle uses the same non-contact magnetic interaction, avoiding cumulative mechanical stress, fabric distortion, or structural damage that would occur with repeated stitching, pinning, or hooking.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows for easy recovery and reuse of both the accessory and the mounting components. The magnetic attachment can be cleanly separated and reapplied multiple times, and the magnetic strips or plates on the garment can be reused indefinitely without degradation, enabling sustainable repeated accessorizing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

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

Enables easy and repeated mounting of accessories on garments without damaging them, providing a way to enhance the appearance or functionality of the garment through color, pattern, and texture while minimizing harm to the garment's construction.

Implementation Method 1

attachment components such as frictional surfaces, magnets, pressure-sensitive adhesives, and hooks

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetism: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

attachment components such as frictional surfaces, magnets, pressure-sensitive adhesives, and hooks

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 3

attachment components such as frictional surfaces, magnets, pressure-sensitive adhesives, and hooks

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentEP3210484B1System and methods for garment accessorizing
Publication Date: 2020.10.07 GIBBONS
  • EP3210484B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1C
  • EP3210484B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2D
  • EP3210484B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3E

AI summary

The present invention is directed to a system and methods by which a garment (1201) may be accessorized. Preferred embodiments of the present invention include one or more mountable accessorizing apparatus which may be shaped and/or shapeable to form one or more mounting surfaces (151A,151) for mounting the mountable accessorizing apparatus on the garment (1201) and to provide one or more display components (171A,171) which may be viewable for accessorizing the garment (1201). Some embodiments may include attachment components (108) which facilitate mounting the one or more mountable accessorizing apparatus on the garment (1201). Attachment components (108) may include friction pads, magnets, pressure-sensitive adhesive, and/or hooks (114). The one or more display components (171A,171) may be viewable to accessorize the garment (1201) such as through color, pattern, and/or texture. In some embodiments, the system may include one or more supplemental modules which may supplement mounting and/or accessorizing.