Hook-and-Loop Fastener Adhesive Bonding for Seamless Attachment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hook-and-loop fasteners require stitching, which limits their application to certain shapes and can be uncomfortable due to visible seams, especially in medical prostheses and garments requiring aesthetic appeal.

Innovation Solution

A hook-and-loop tear-off device with adhesive layers made of thermoplastic polyurethane and high-melting thermoplastic polyurethane, allowing seamless attachment to supports via hot pressing or ultrasonic welding, eliminating the need for stitching and visible seams.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If stitching is used to attach the hook-and-loop fastener to the support, then the connection strength is sufficient to withstand separation forces, but the device shape is limited and visible seams are created

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection strengthVSAvoiddevice shape flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical stitching system with a thermal bonding system using hot-melt adhesive. The adhesive is applied to the inner face of the loop-bearing part and bonded to the support through heat and pressure, eliminating needles and threads while enabling attachment to sharp or complex shapes that cannot be stitched.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the attachment method from mechanical (stitching) to thermal (hot-melt adhesive). The adhesive material undergoes phase change from solid to liquid when heated, allowing it to flow and conform to complex shapes, then solidifies to create a strong bond without visible seams.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Strength

If stitching is used to attach the hook-and-loop fastener to the support, then the connection strength is sufficient to withstand separation forces, but visible seams are created that reduce comfort and aesthetics

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidcomfort and aesthetics

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical stitching system with a thermal bonding system using hot-melt adhesive. This substitution eliminates visible seams and the discomfort associated with stitches contacting the skin, while maintaining adequate connection strength through the adhesive bond.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If adhesive layers are used instead of stitching, then seamless attachment is achieved improving comfort and aesthetics, but the attachment process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomfort and aestheticsVSAvoidattachment process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the adhesive application and bonding processes into a single integrated step. The hot-melt adhesive is applied and activated simultaneously through hot pressing or ultrasonic welding, eliminating the need for separate adhesive application and bonding steps, thus simplifying the overall attachment process despite using adhesive instead of stitching.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Ease of operation

If adhesive layers are used instead of stitching, then seamless attachment is achieved improving comfort and aesthetics, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomfort and aestheticsVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines adhesive application and bonding into a single integrated process step. The hot-melt adhesive is applied and activated simultaneously through hot pressing or ultrasonic welding equipment, eliminating the need for separate adhesive application and bonding steps, thus reducing manufacturing complexity despite using adhesive instead of stitching.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 seamless application on various shapes and enhances comfort and aesthetics by avoiding seams, particularly suitable for medical prostheses and garments where skin contact is involved.

Implementation Method 1

A first adhesive 5 is applied to the surface 3a, preferably by a hot process, such as by hot lamination

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHot pressing:

Implementation Method 2

allowing seamless attachment to supports via hot pressing or ultrasonic welding

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltrasonic welding: Ultrasonic Vibration

Implementation Method 3

an intermediate layer 5b, placed between the inner layer 5a and the outer layer 5c and adhering thereto

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Data Source

PatentUS12466153B2Tear-off device for applying labels or fasteners

Publication Date: 2025.11.11 FRAMIS ITAL

AI summary

A hook-and-loop type tear-off device having a first part with loop elements and a second part with hook elements is provided. A first multi-layer adhesive is hot-applied to the first part, the first multi-layer adhesive having an inner layer and an outer layer made of thermoplastic polyurethane.