Hook-and-Loop Fastening System With Central And Lateral Strips
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Solution Overview
Problem
The buttoning process is time-consuming and requires personal dexterity, especially for longer rows of buttons, and existing fastening systems do not offer sufficient convenience for users.
Innovation Solution
A fastening system with a central strip and lateral strips that merge to form a complete border around the central strip, using different types of hook-and-loop adhesive fastener elements, including micro-touch-and-close elements made of plastic or textile materials, which can be easily attached to clothing using a thermally activatable adhesive, allowing for simple and efficient use as a button or clasp replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional buttons and buttonholes are used, then the fastening system provides reliable closure, but the buttoning process becomes time-consuming and requires personal dexterity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical buttoning system (buttons, buttonholes, and threading motions) with an adhesive fastening system using hook-and-loop elements. The fastening mechanism transitions from mechanical interlocking through threading to adhesive bonding through pressing, eliminating the need for dexterous manual manipulation and significantly reducing the time required for fastening operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesive fastening system allows users to simply press the fastening elements together without requiring complex manual dexterity. The self-adhesive nature of the hook-and-loop elements enables easy application and removal, making the fastening process serve itself through simple pressing motions rather than requiring skilled buttoning operations.
2Reliability
If adhesive fastener elements are provided only in a central strip, then the structure remains simple, but the fastening reliability and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive fastening system is divided into multiple functional segments: a central strip with adhesive elements for primary fastening, and lateral border strips with adhesive elements for enhanced securing. This segmentation allows each zone to contribute differently to the overall fastening reliability while maintaining a relatively simple integrated structure that combines all segments into a single fastening component.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the fastening system are assigned different functions: the central strip provides the primary fastening function, while the lateral border strips provide additional securing and positioning. This local differentiation of quality and function enhances overall fastening reliability without requiring a completely complex multi-component structure, as all elements work together in a unified design.
3Strength
If lateral strips do not merge to form a complete border, then the manufacturing process remains simpler, but the adhesive force and fastening security are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The lateral strips are designed to merge with each other to form a continuous complete border around the central strip. This merging creates an enclosed fastening zone that maximizes adhesive force distribution and prevents lateral displacement of the fastening elements. The continuous border structure enhances fastening security while remaining manufacturable as an integrated component in standard production processes.
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 system provides enhanced convenience and usability, allowing for easy and reliable fastening and unfastening, even in poor visibility or with physical disabilities, with increased adhesive force and design flexibility for various applications.
Implementation Method 1
an adhesive layer, preferably made of a thermally activatable adhesive, can advantageously be provided on the underside of the carrier
Implementation Method 2
at least two different types of adhesive fastener elements which can be releasably connected to one another with corresponding, oppositely designed adhesive fastener elements
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~7
AI summary
The fastening system has two active partners (6,8) that are respectively comprised with two different types of hook-and-loop fastener elements which are detachably connected to corresponding complementary hook-and-loop fastener elements of the other active partner. The hook-and-loop fastener elements are provided on backing in strips running along longitudinal axis of band. The hook-and-loop fastener elements of two types are respectively arranged in a strip running centrally on backing and in other strip running on each of two sides along the central strip.