A method of producing a print product having a fastener
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for assembling printed textile products require separate steps and costly machinery for applying fasteners, which are inefficient and labor-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A method using a jetting-type printer to simultaneously print both the image and fastener onto a print substrate, eliminating the need for dedicated equipment and allowing for single-operation formation of both the image and fastener, including 2D and 3D printing techniques with UV-curable inks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional techniques (sewing, thermo-gluing, ultrasonic welding, riveting) are used to apply fasteners to printed textile, then the fastener application is achieved, but separate dedicated machinery and manual operations are required, increasing production complexity and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the fastener application function with the existing printing operation by using a jetting-type printer to deposit fastening agents directly onto the print substrate during the printing process, eliminating the need for separate fastening equipment and manual operations
Solution Approach 2:
The jetting-type printer is made multi-functional by enabling it to perform both image printing and fastener application using the same device, allowing a single piece of equipment to accomplish multiple tasks that previously required separate dedicated machinery
2Productivity
If separate steps are used for printing and fastener application, then each function can be performed with specialized equipment, but the production workflow becomes longer and less efficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the printing step and fastener application step into a single integrated operation where the jetting-type printer deposits both the printed image and the fastening agent in one pass, eliminating sequential processing steps and reducing production cycle time
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening agent is applied in advance during the printing operation itself, before any separate fastening step would be required, allowing the substrate to be prepared for both decoration and assembly in a single preparatory action
3Ease of manufacture
If dedicated machinery is used for fastener application, then the fastening function is achieved, but equipment costs and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the jetting-type printer universal by enabling it to perform both image printing and fastener application, eliminating the need to purchase and operate separate dedicated machinery for fastening, thereby reducing equipment costs and simplifying operational requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The printing system serves itself by using the same jetting mechanism to deposit both the printed image and the fastening agent, allowing the equipment to perform multiple functions without requiring additional specialized machinery or complex inter-system coordination
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 streamlines the production process by integrating fastener application into the existing printing operation, reducing costs and manual labor while enabling efficient assembly of textile products with various types of fasteners.
Implementation Method 1
jetting-type printer, e.g. an ink jet printer, may be used for forming the printed image on the print substrate and for forming the fastener on the same print substrate
Implementation Method 2
UV-curing inks may be used for that purpose
Implementation Method 3
the print head may be arranged to jet-out a liquid adhesive so as to print a fastener in the form of an adhesive strip onto the print substrate
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of producing a print product, the product comprising: - a print substrate (10, 12) bearing a printed image (14, 16); and - a fastener (20) applied to said print substrate (10, 12 the method comprising a step of using a jetting-type printer (36) for printing both said printed image (14, 16) and the fastener (20) onto said print substrate (10, 12).