Hot Melt Sequin Stitching for Structural Footwear Components
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing embroidery techniques lack efficient methods for integrating sequins into textile materials to create structural components, particularly in footwear, where durability and functionality are essential.
Innovation Solution
The method involves stitching hot melt sequins onto textile layers, which are then heated to bond with the layers, creating a strong adhesive connection that can form structural elements like heel counters, lace cages, and eyelets, while also allowing for customizable density and pattern arrangements to enhance flexibility and abrasion resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional embroidery techniques are used to attach decorative elements, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but structural durability and functionality are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges decorative sequins with structural functionality by integrating them into the footwear assembly process. The sequins are stitched onto textile layers before final assembly, allowing them to serve dual purposes: aesthetic decoration and structural reinforcement in areas like heel counters and lace cages. This integration eliminates the need for separate structural components, thereby improving strength while maintaining ease of manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The sequins are designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously. They provide decorative appearance, structural support, and even functional elements such as lace guides and heel counter reinforcement. This multi-functionality allows a single component to address multiple requirements, improving structural durability without adding manufacturing complexity.
2Strength
If sequins are densely stitched across the entire article, then structural strength is improved, but flexibility and comfort are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies sequins with varying density to different regions of the footwear based on local requirements. High-density stitching is used in areas requiring structural strength such as heel counters and lace cages, while low-density or no stitching is applied in areas requiring flexibility and comfort such as the toe box and ankle regions. This localized approach allows the article to achieve necessary structural strength without compromising overall flexibility.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If sequins are used to form structural components, then durability is improved, but weight of the article increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the footwear into distinct regions and applies sequins only where structurally necessary. Rather than using sequins throughout the entire article, the stitching is segmented to target specific high-stress areas such as heel counters, lace cages, and eyelets. This segmentation maintains durability in critical areas while minimizing overall weight addition.
4Adaptability or versatility
If variable density patterns are implemented, then adaptability and customization are improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs pre-programmed stitching patterns that define variable density sequences before the embroidery process begins. The embroidery machine is pre-configured with digital patterns that automatically adjust stitching density based on the desired structural and aesthetic requirements. This preliminary programming eliminates the need for manual precision adjustments during manufacturing, thereby achieving high adaptability without proportionally increasing manufacturing precision requirements.
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 approach enables the creation of durable, flexible, and customizable structural components in footwear by bonding sequins to textile layers, improving the shoe's overall performance and durability while allowing for varied properties across different regions.
Implementation Method 1
stitching hot melt sequins onto textile layers, which are then heated to bond with the layers
Implementation Method 2
creating a strong adhesive connection that can form structural elements
Data Source
AI summary
Hot melt sequins and methods of applying these sequins are disclosed. The sequins may be stitched to a layer of an article in a pattern to form a relatively rigid structure. The sequins may be made of a hotmelt material and melted to form a continuous structure. The sequins may be located along a lacing region and used as eyelets to secure laces.