Interchangeable Button System With Pronged Fastener

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing button systems for clothing and accessories are time-consuming and damaging to fabric when changed, especially for those without sewing skills or with visual impairments, and lack a combination of interchangeability and ease of use similar to conventional buttons.

Innovation Solution

An interchangeable button system using a pronged fastener that penetrates material to couple with a button base, allowing secure attachment of interchangeable caps without sewing, with embossed designs for grip and stability, and optional integration of technology like RFID tags or LEDs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If buttons are sewn onto garments, then they are securely attached, but changing them is time-consuming and damages the fabric

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of button changingVSAvoidfabric damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The button system is divided into separate components: a button body and a fastener mechanism. This segmentation allows the button to be attached and detached without damaging the fabric, as the fastener can be removed cleanly from the button holes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A fastener mechanism serves as an intermediary between the button and the fabric. This intermediary component enables easy attachment and removal of buttons without directly sewing into the fabric, thereby preventing fabric damage while maintaining secure attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Strength

If pronged fasteners with shank projections are used, then button attachment is secure, but flexibility and ergonomic maneuverability are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment strengthVSAvoidflexibility and maneuverability

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The fastener design incorporates flexible elements that allow it to adapt to different button hole sizes and shapes. The fastener can bend and flex during insertion and removal, providing ergonomic maneuverability while maintaining secure attachment strength when engaged.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The fastener system allows for variation in fastener length, thickness, and configuration to match different button and fabric requirements. This parameter flexibility enables the system to maintain strong attachment while adapting to various operational constraints and fabric types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Strength

If threaded shanks with nuts are used, then buttons are firmly anchored, but the process causes severe wear to the punctured fabric area

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebutton anchoring strengthVSAvoidfabric wear

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The fastener is designed to be inserted through pre-punched button holes in a single action, rather than requiring multiple operations like threading and nut tightening. This preliminary action minimizes the number of times the fabric is punctured or manipulated, reducing wear while still achieving firm anchoring.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The complex threading and nut assembly process is extracted and replaced with a simpler fastener mechanism that achieves the same anchoring function with less fabric interaction. The fastener takes out the need for repeated fabric penetration and manipulation, thereby reducing fabric wear.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Adaptability or versatility

If button covers are made interchangeable without fastening devices, then interchangeability is achieved, but registration accuracy and aesthetic appearance are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebutton interchangeabilityVSAvoidregistration accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

A fastening device serves as an intermediary mechanism that ensures precise registration between the button body and cover during assembly. This intermediary component guides the cover into proper alignment with the button body, achieving accurate registration while maintaining interchangeability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical registration system replaces complex alignment procedures with a simplified fastening mechanism that inherently provides precise positioning. The fastener's design incorporates features that automatically align and secure the button cover to the body, eliminating the need for manual registration adjustments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS10455901B2Interchangeable button system technology

Publication Date: 2019.10.29 MARIN ANIBAL

AI summary

A interchangeable button system that has an interchangeable cap, a base button and a pronged fastener allowing the user to change the appearance and functionality of buttons, quickly and conveniently without sewing. The pronged fastener penetrates fabric exposing the prong tips for alignment with the base buttonholes located on the base button. Compression on the base button couples the pronged fastener with the base buttonholes creating a secure permanent attachment. The base button has an external base thread that aligns with internal cap thread for coupling. Thus the interchangeable cap can be torqued on or off. Different functional decorative and technological types of interchangeable caps may be selectively torqued onto base button for end use.