Hidden Pleat Device for Garment Waistband Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for non-permanent alterations, such as using safety pins or waistband tighteners, are unsatisfactory due to safety concerns, damage to items, bulkiness, and unattractive appearances, and do not provide a comfortable or aesthetically pleasing solution for adjusting circumference or length.
Innovation Solution
A device with parallel prongs made of metal or plastic, designed to be wrapped into fabric, creating a hidden, spring-like tension that mimics a pleat or dart, providing a comfortable, safe, and attractive way to adjust circumference or length without visible damage, suitable for various applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If safety pins are used to take up slack, then the circumference or length is decreased, but the item is damaged and the appearance is unattractive
Solution Approach 1:
A fabric-covered device with internal gripping surfaces acts as an intermediary between the fastening mechanism and the fabric. The gripping surfaces hold the fabric internally while the external fabric covering protects the item from damage and provides an attractive appearance, eliminating the harmful effects of safety pins while maintaining the circumference reduction function.
2Length of moving object
If safety pins are used to take up slack, then the circumference or length is decreased, but the appearance is unattractive and the device is visible
Solution Approach 1:
The fabric covering serves as an intermediary that conceals the functional components (gripping surfaces and spring mechanism) while maintaining the circumference reduction function. The device appears as a tailored dart or pleat rather than a visible safety pin, resolving the appearance contradiction.
3Length of moving object
If waistband tighteners are used, then the circumference is decreased, but the device is cumbersome and bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses a thin fabric covering that conforms to the garment rather than a rigid or bulky structure. This flexible shell approach allows the device to decrease circumference while remaining thin and comfortable against the body, eliminating the bulkiness problem of traditional waistband tighteners.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism provides dynamic adjustment capability, allowing the device to adapt to different tension requirements without requiring a bulky fixed structure. The flexible fabric covering dynamically conforms to the garment shape, resolving the contradiction between circumference reduction and bulkiness.
4Length of moving object
If waistband tighteners are used, then the circumference is decreased, but the device is uncomfortable for the wearer
Solution Approach 1:
The fabric covering creates a thin, flexible interface between the gripping mechanism and the wearer's body, eliminating discomfort while maintaining the circumference reduction function. The flexible material distributes pressure evenly and conforms to body contours, resolving the comfort contradiction.
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 device effectively adjusts the circumference or length of items like garment waistbands or table skirting without causing harm, offering a comfortable, aesthetically pleasing, and safe solution that is easy to apply and nearly invisible, suitable for all ages and uses.
Implementation Method 1
The space appearing between the prongs 2 slightly separates the prongs 2 that run parallel with one another... forming a spring-like tension
Data Source
AI summary
A small device, substantially flat, used to shorten the length or circumference of a fabric, or other type of materials, while at the same time making the item being altered look appealing by forming a pleat-like appearance. The device is simple and is made of metal, plastic or other rigid material suitable for its purpose. Configured of one body, this device disappears into the folds of the material and disappears as if it was not even there. It is easy to use and virtually undetected by the wearer.