Hot Melt Sequin Embroidery for Structural Bonding in Textiles
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing embroidery methods lack efficient and durable techniques for attaching sequins to textile materials, particularly for structural and functional applications, as they often rely on stitching alone which may not provide a strong or flexible bond.
Innovation Solution
The use of hot melt sequins, which are stitched to a first component and then melted to bond with a second component, creating a strong and flexible attachment along a linear, two-dimensional, or three-dimensional region, allowing for the integration of dissimilar materials and patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If stitching alone is used to attach sequins to textile materials, then the attachment method is simple and traditional, but the bond strength and flexibility are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines stitching and melting into a single integrated attachment process. The sequin is first stitched to the textile material using traditional embroidery techniques, then heated to melt and bond the sequin permanently to the fabric. This merging of mechanical stitching with thermal bonding resolves the contradiction by providing strong bonds without requiring completely new equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the sequin material from solid to liquid through heating, then back to solid upon cooling. By controlling the temperature parameter, the sequin transitions through phase changes that enable bonding. This parameter change approach provides strong attachment while using conventional stitching equipment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If hot melt sequins are used to provide strong and flexible attachment, then bond strength and flexibility are improved, but the process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hot melt sequin serves multiple functions: it acts as a decorative element, a structural component, and a bonding agent simultaneously. The same sequin that provides aesthetic value also provides mechanical attachment and flexibility through its thermoplastic properties. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by enhancing adaptability without requiring separate components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The sequin material itself performs the bonding function through its inherent thermoplastic properties. When heated, the sequin naturally melts and adheres to the textile material without requiring additional adhesives or bonding agents. This self-service approach provides flexible attachment while minimizing the need for additional process steps and equipment.
3Reliability
If sequins are stitched and melted to create structural components, then structural integrity is improved, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The sequin is pre-stitched to the textile material before the melting process. This preliminary mechanical attachment ensures proper positioning and initial stability, then the subsequent melting step permanently bonds the sequin. This preliminary action approach creates reliable structural components while breaking down the complex manufacturing process into manageable sequential steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite construction where the sequin (thermoplastic material) is combined with the textile material through both mechanical stitching and thermal bonding. This composite approach creates superior structural integrity by utilizing the strengths of both materials, while the process remains manageable through the sequential application of stitching followed by heating.
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
This method provides a robust and flexible attachment of sequins to textile materials, enabling the creation of structural components and functional elements in footwear and apparel, such as reinforced seams and decorative patterns, while allowing for varying densities and arrangements of sequins for customized properties like flexibility and abrasion resistance.
Implementation Method 1
melting the sequin so that the hot melt material bonds the first component to the second component at the location of the sequin
Data Source
AI summary
Hot melt sequins and methods of applying these sequins are disclosed. A method of attaching two components includes stitching a hot melt sequin to one of the components and heating the hot melt sequin to bond the two components together. Sequins can also be applied to articles to create structural elements such as heel counters, toe covers, and lace cages. Sequins can be applied in 1D, 2D, and 3D patterns as well as in dispersive patterns. Sequins can be applied to vary the abrasion properties of a portion of an article.