Interchangeable Patch Device with Inverted Curved Component

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional interchangeable patch mechanisms on articles, such as baseball caps and carry bags, fail to meet aesthetic standards and are prone to wear and tear, making them unsuitable for replacing traditional permanent artwork.

Innovation Solution

A device with a base component that contacts the inner surface and a curved component that contacts the outer surface, switchable between engaged and disengaged states, allowing for easy patch replacement while maintaining a seamless aesthetic, using a connector to secure the curved component to the base component.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional interchangeable patch mechanisms are used, then patch interchangeability is achieved, but aesthetic quality deteriorates and wear and tear increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepatch interchangeabilityVSAvoidaesthetic quality and durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The curved component is designed to be switchable between a natural state and an inverted state, allowing the patch attachment mechanism to dynamically change configuration. This dynamic capability enables easy patch replacement while maintaining a seamless appearance when the patch is attached, resolving the contradiction between interchangeability and aesthetic quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The curved component inverts between its natural state and an inverted state to facilitate patch attachment and removal. This inversion mechanism allows the same component to provide both a seamless aesthetic appearance during normal use and easy access for patch interchangeability, addressing both requirements simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Ease of operation

If conventional fastening mechanisms are used, then patch attachment is achieved, but visual appeal deteriorates due to visible fasteners

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepatch attachmentVSAvoidvisual appeal and seamless appearance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening mechanism is extracted from the visible exterior surface and relocated to the interior of the article. The base component contacts the inner surface while the curved component contacts the outer surface, allowing the attachment function to be maintained while the visible fastener is removed, thus preserving visual appeal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The curved component acts as an intermediary element that bridges the inner base component and the outer patch. It transfers the attachment function from the interior to the exterior in a way that maintains aesthetic appearance, serving as a mediator that provides both functional attachment and visual seamlessity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple articles with different artworks are purchased, then artwork variety is achieved, but consumer cost and time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveartwork varietyVSAvoidconsumer time and purchasing effort

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The device provides a universal patch attachment system that can accommodate multiple different patches on a single article. This multi-functionality allows one article to serve multiple purposes by accepting different artworks, eliminating the need to purchase multiple separate articles for different artwork preferences.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11470899B2Articles and devices for interchangeable patches

Publication Date: 2022.10.18 PARRISH R MICHAEL

AI summary

A device for interchanging a patch on an article, the device including a base component configured to contact an inner surface of the article; a curved component configured to contact an outer surface of the article wherein the curved component is switchable between an engaged state and a disengaged state, and wherein the curved component is configured to receive the patch in the disengaged state and attach the patch to the article in the engaged state; and a connector configured to extend through the article to fasten the curved component to the base component.