Low Profile Touch Fastener with Molded Hook and Woven Loop
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing touch fasteners, particularly woven types, are often thicker and more expensive than their molded and non-woven counterparts, while lacking the strength and longevity required for high-strength, non-disposable applications.
Innovation Solution
A releasable touch fastener system with a sheet-form loop and hook component configuration, featuring a high density of fastener elements and a resin-based hook base with molded crooks, providing low engaged thickness, high peel resistance, and stitch hole tear strength, allowing for strong and thin closures suitable for high-cycle applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If woven fastener products are used, then strength and longevity are improved, but thickness and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines a molded hook component (thermoplastic material) with a non-woven loop component (carded fiber web) to create a composite fastener system that achieves woven-like strength without the thickness penalty. The molded hooks provide durable engagement points while the non-woven loop layer provides flexibility and engagement surface area.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the structural parameters of the fastener by using a planar, low-profile hook design with controlled stem height and crook geometry. The hooks have a maximum height of 0.030 inches and engage loops that extend 0.015-0.030 inches from the loop component surface, achieving strong engagement in a thin profile.
2Strength
If woven fastener products are used, then strength and longevity are improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses cost-effective thermoplastic materials and non-woven fabric that can be manufactured through efficient molding and webbing processes. The molded hook component can be produced in high volumes with consistent quality, reducing per-unit cost compared to traditional woven fasteners while maintaining adequate strength for the application.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the hook-forming and base-material functions into a single molded component, eliminating the need for separate weaving processes. The thermoplastic base material is molded directly into the hook structure with integrated stems and crooks, streamlining manufacturing and reducing labor costs.
3Length of stationary object
If molded fastener elements are used, then cost and thickness are reduced, but fastening strength decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention concentrates the fastening function at specific locations where molded hooks engage with loops, rather than distributing strength uniformly throughout a thick woven structure. The local engagement points are optimized with proper crook geometry and stem strength to achieve high fastening force at the interface while keeping overall thickness low.
Solution Approach 2:
The molded hooks are pre-formed with optimized crook angles and stem dimensions during the molding process to ensure proper engagement mechanics. The hook geometry is designed in advance to capture and retain loops effectively, providing strong fastening from the first engagement without requiring additional thickening.
Data Source
AI summary
A releasable touch fastener includes a loop component and a hook component, with a particularly small overall engaged thickness in combination with a high fastening strength, both in peel and shear. The loop component is a woven material, while the hook component may be woven or molded. The molded hook component includes a scrim reinforcement for tear resistance and sewability. The fastener is useful for high cycle applications, such as on non-disposable garments, footwear and luggage.