Tool for fastening a listing bead to a fastener strip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for attaching upholstery fabric panels to foam structures, such as in automotive seats, often result in puckering or trim wrinkles due to high force requirements and are inefficient, especially when using point attachment or clip systems with small fastener strips.
Innovation Solution
A tool with a guiding recess and guide rib is used to progressively insert a listing bead into a retention channel of a fastener strip, allowing for easy and secure attachment of the fabric panel, even with small dimensions, by facilitating the engagement of the bead into the strip's fastener elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If point attachment or clip systems with small fastener strips are used, then the attachment method is simpler, but the force required to engage the bead is high and causes puckering or trim wrinkles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a tool as an intermediary device between the operator and the fastening system. This tool includes a guiding recess that receives the listing bead and a guide rib with a head that passes through the retention channel, facilitating controlled engagement without excessive force that would cause puckering or wrinkles
2Strength
If high force is applied to engage the bead into the clip system, then the attachment is more secure, but it causes puckering or trim wrinkles near the attachment points
Solution Approach 1:
The tool acts as a mediator that distributes and controls the engagement force. The guiding recess and guide rib structure allows the bead to be progressively inserted into the retention channel, achieving secure attachment without concentration of force that would cause fabric deformation
Solution Approach 2:
The tool performs preliminary positioning and guidance of the listing bead before final engagement. The guiding recess pre-aligns the bead, and the guide rib progressively inserts it into the retention channel, ensuring proper positioning before the fastening elements engage, thereby preventing fabric puckering
3Reliability
If traditional fastening methods are used, then the attachment is achieved, but the process is inefficient and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The tool enables self-guided engagement where the guiding recess and guide rib automatically align and insert the listing bead into the retention channel without requiring precise manual positioning by the operator, thereby improving efficiency while maintaining reliable attachment
Solution Approach 2:
The tool structure performs preliminary alignment and guidance functions, preparing the listing bead for engagement before the actual fastening occurs. This pre-positioning capability streamlines the attachment process, making it more efficient while ensuring reliable connection
Data Source
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AI summary
A listing bead fastening tool (2) has a body (10) that defines a guiding recess (18) shaped to receive a listing bead (50), and a guide rib (22) extending from the body (10). The guide rib (22) has a neck (12) and a head (8) that is connected to the body (10) of the tool (2) by the neck (12). The head (8) has a width to allow it to pass through a retention channel (36) defined by opposing rows of fastener elements (32) extending from a base (34) of a fastener strip (30) to which the listing bead (50) is to be fastened. The guiding recess (18) of the body (10) of the tool (2) defines a listing bead insertion path (16) that is angled with respect to the retention channel (36). Moving the tool (2) along the retention channel (36) causes the listing bead (50), which is retained within the guiding recess (18), to be progressively inserted into the retention channel (36) and retained between the rows of fastener elements (32).