Magnetic Attachment for Embroidered Design Elements

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for attaching embroidered design elements to clothing, such as embroidery, sewing, or adhesion, can permanently alter the garment and are not suitable for all types of clothing, like cowboy hats, due to the risk of damage.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing a conductive layer with magnetically attractive balls coupled to the embroidered design element, which is magnetically coupled to a coupling member with magnets on the inner surface of the clothing, allowing for reversible attachment without damaging the garment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional embroidery, sewing, or adhesion methods are used to attach design elements, then the design element is permanently fixed to the garment, but the garment is permanently altered and may be damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment permanenceVSAvoidgarment damage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the attachment mechanism into two separate components: a conductive layer with magnetically attractive balls attached to the back of the embroidered design element, and a coupling member with magnets attached to the inner surface of the garment. This segmentation allows the design element to be attached and removed without permanent alteration to the garment, resolving the contradiction between attachment permanence and garment damage risk

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces traditional mechanical attachment methods (sewing needles and threads, adhesive bonds) with a magnetic field-based attachment system. The magnetic attraction between the magnetically attractive balls on the conductive layer and the magnets on the coupling member provides secure attachment without mechanical penetration or chemical adhesion, eliminating the risk of garment damage while maintaining reliable attachment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of manufacture

If the garment is directly embroidered or patched, then the design is permanently applied, but the process is not suitable for all garment types (e.g., cowboy hats, leather garments)

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedesign application simplicityVSAvoidgarment type compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic attachment system is designed to be universally applicable to various garment types including cowboy hats, leather garments, and traditional fabrics. The coupling member with magnets can be attached to the inner surface of any garment, and the conductive layer with magnetically attractive balls can be applied to any embroidered design element, making the system versatile across different garment materials and styles while maintaining simple design application

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If permanent attachment methods are used, then the design element cannot be removed or repositioned, but this limits customization and replacement options

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedesign element securityVSAvoiddesign element repositionability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic attachment system transitions the design element from a static, permanent state to a dynamic, reversible state. The magnetic force provides sufficient holding strength to secure the design element during wear, yet allows for easy removal and repositioning when needed. This dynamic characteristic enables customization and replacement of design elements while maintaining security during normal use

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables easy attachment, positioning, and removal of embroidered design elements on various clothing items without causing permanent damage, allowing for customizable designs without the risks associated with traditional methods.

Implementation Method 1

a plurality of magnetically attractive balls coupled to the conductive layer... the conductive layer is releasably and magnetically coupled to the coupling member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetism: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS12213566B2System and method for attaching embroidered design elements to clothing articles using magnetism

Publication Date: 2025.02.04 NAGEL STEPHEN ROY

AI summary

A system and method for attaching design elements to an article of clothing are provided. The system includes an embroidered design element with a conductive layer coupled to a back surface of the embroidered design element. The system further includes a coupling member. In operation, the conductive layer is releasably and magnetically coupled to the coupling member with an article of clothing between the conductive layer and the coupling member.