Laser-Weldable Hook-and-Loop Fastener for Heat-Safe Bonding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for attaching male-type molded hook-and-loop fasteners to automobile interior materials face challenges such as low engaging force, damage from heat, and difficulty in achieving high adhesive strength at elevated temperatures, especially when using adhesives or sewing techniques.
Innovation Solution
A laser weldable hook-and-loop fastener is developed, featuring a male-type molded hook-and-loop fastener with a laser light transmitting base and a high infrared absorptance laser light absorbing layer on its back surface, allowing for precise and strong bonding without damaging the engaging elements, using a laser welding method.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a male-type molded hook-and-loop fastener is used to obtain high engaging force, then the engaging force is improved, but the heat from the laser light absorbing layer damages the engaging elements causing them to fall
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener is divided into two distinct parts: the male-type molded hook-and-loop fastener (A) made of laser light-transmitting resin that maintains engaging elements, and the laser light absorbing layer (B) that absorbs laser energy. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function without interfering with the other, resolving the contradiction between achieving high engaging force and preventing heat damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The laser light-transmitting resin base plate acts as an intermediary between the laser light source and the engaging elements. It allows laser light to pass through to the absorbing layer while protecting the engaging elements from direct heat exposure, thus enabling both high engaging force and heat protection.
2Ease of manufacture
If adhesive or pressure-sensitive adhesive is used for attachment, then the attachment method is simple, but achieving high adhesive strength at temperatures exceeding 120°C is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces chemical bonding methods (adhesives) with laser welding technology. The laser light absorbing layer (B) absorbs laser energy and melts to create a strong bond between the fastener and the substrate, achieving both ease of manufacture and high strength at elevated temperatures without relying on temperature-sensitive adhesives.
Solution Approach 2:
The laser light absorbing layer undergoes phase transition from solid to liquid when exposed to laser light, enabling welding. This phase transition allows for strong bonding at high temperatures while maintaining process simplicity, overcoming the limitations of adhesive-based methods.
3Reliability
If sewing or stapling is used for attachment, then the attachment method is reliable, but the needle or staple damages the male-type engaging elements causing them to fall
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical fastening methods (sewing and stapling) with laser welding. This substitution eliminates the need for needles or staples that physically contact and damage the engaging elements, while maintaining reliable attachment through the melted laser light absorbing layer that bonds the fastener to the substrate without mechanical penetration.
4Strength
If the laser light absorbing layer is melted for welding, then strong bonding is achieved, but the heat causes the male-type engaging elements to fall
Solution Approach 1:
The structure is segmented into the male-type molded hook-and-loop fastener (A) and the laser light absorbing layer (B), where the absorbing layer is positioned between the laser source and the engaging elements. This segmentation allows the absorbing layer to melt and provide strong bonding while the engaging elements remain protected from direct heat exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The male-type molded hook-and-loop fastener made of laser light-transmitting resin serves as an intermediary protective layer. It allows laser light to pass through to the absorbing layer for strong bonding while preventing heat from reaching the engaging elements, thus resolving the contradiction between bonding strength and heat protection.
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
The solution enables accurate and quick attachment of the hook-and-loop fastener to automobile interior materials with maintained engaging force at high temperatures, preventing the engaging elements from falling and ensuring strong adhesive bonds.
Implementation Method 1
a laser light absorbing layer (B) which is integrated on a back surface of the male-type molded hook-and-loop fastener (A)... the laser light absorbing layer (B) has an infrared absorptance of 85% or more at a wavelength of 980 nm
Implementation Method 2
The laser light transmitted through the male-type molded hook-and-loop fastener (A) is absorbed by the laser light absorbing layer (B) to generate heat, and the male-type molded hook-and-loop fastener (A) and another object are bonded through the melted laser light absorbing layer (B)
Implementation Method 3
a laser light transmitting male-type molded hook-and-loop fastener (A)... the male-type molded hook-and-loop fastener (A) has a base plate and a large number of male-type engaging elements rising from the surface of the base plate
Data Source
AI summary
A laser weldable hook-and-loop fastener contains a laser light transmitting male-type molded hook-and-loop fastener (A) and a laser light absorbing layer (B) formed of a thermoplastic resin, which is integrated on the back surface of the male-type molded hook-and-loop fastener (A). The male-type molded hook-and-loop fastener (A) has a base plate and a large number of male-type engaging elements rising from the surface of the base plate. The male-type engaging elements and the base plate are formed of the same resin selected from a polyester elastomer and a polyamide, the male-type engaging elements are arranged in a row, and the laser light absorbing layer (B) has an infrared absorptance of 85% or more at a wavelength of 980 nm.