Laser-Weldable Hook-and-Loop Fastener for Heat-Safe Interior Bonding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for attaching a male-type molded hook-and-loop fastener to the back surface of an interior material in automobiles face issues such as low engaging force, damage from heat, and difficulty in achieving high adhesive strength, especially when using pressure-sensitive adhesives or hot melt adhesives, and require skilled techniques for quick attachment.
Innovation Solution
A laser weldable hook-and-loop fastener with a laser light transmitting male-type molded hook-and-loop fastener and a laser light absorbing layer on its back surface, where the male-type engaging elements are formed from polyester elastomer or polyamide, and the laser light absorbing layer has high infrared absorptance, allowing for precise welding without damaging the fastener.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a male-type molded hook-and-loop fastener is used to obtain high engaging force, then the engaging force is improved, but the fastener is damaged by heat from conventional attachment methods
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener system is segmented into two functional parts: a laser light-transmitting male-type molded hook-and-loop fastener (providing engaging force) and a separate laser light-absorbing layer (absorbing heat). This segmentation allows the fastener to maintain its mechanical properties while the absorbing layer handles the thermal load during laser attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
A laser light-absorbing layer is introduced as an intermediary component between the laser light source and the male-type molded hook-and-loop fastener. This intermediary absorbs the laser energy and converts it to heat, protecting the fastener from direct thermal exposure while enabling laser-based attachment.
2Ease of manufacture
If pressure-sensitive adhesive or hot melt adhesive is used for attachment, then the fastener can be attached to the interior material, but the adhesive strength is insufficient at high temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The conventional mechanical attachment methods (adhesives, sewing, stapling) are replaced with a laser-based welding system. The laser light-absorbing layer converts optical energy to thermal energy, melting the fastener and interior material to create a strong, heat-resistant weld that maintains strength at high temperatures.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional attachment methods are used, then the fastener can be attached, but the process is time-consuming and requires skilled techniques
Solution Approach 1:
Manual or semi-automatic attachment processes are replaced with automated laser welding. The laser beam can be precisely controlled and moved rapidly, enabling fast, consistent attachment without requiring skilled operators or complex manual procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment process parameters are optimized by controlling laser power, scanning speed, and focal position. This allows for rapid attachment while maintaining consistent quality, significantly improving productivity compared to conventional methods.
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 a predetermined position on the interior material without the engaging elements falling, maintaining high engaging force even at elevated temperatures, and improving the durability and ease of use compared to traditional methods.
Implementation Method 1
a laser light absorbing layer integrated with the back surface of a male-type molded hook-and-loop fastener is melted by a laser light
Implementation Method 2
The shape and performance of the male-type molded hook-and-loop fastener are not impaired by heat from the laser light absorbing layer
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The present invention relates to a laser weldable hook-and-loop fastener containing 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), wherein 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. The laser-weldable hook-and-loop fastener of the present invention is suitable for welding to the back surface of an interior material for automobiles such as a ceiling material or a floor material by using a laser light.