Gymnastic Mat Hook-and-loop Tape Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing gymnastic appliances with Hook-and-loop tapes for joining often wear out before the rest of the product, making replacement difficult and costly, leading to inferior joints or the need for new appliances.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a detachable second double-sided Hook-and-loop tape member that can be easily replaced, with complementary Hook-and-loop tapes on both sides, and using fixing flanges to secure it, allowing for prolonged use of the permanently mounted first Hook-and-loop tapes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If Hook-and-loop tapes are sewn or glued to the appliance, then secure joining is achieved, but the tapes wear out before the remainder of the product and replacement becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvejoining securityVSAvoidtape replacement difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The joining system is divided into two segments: a permanent first Hook-and-loop tape fixed to the appliance, and a replaceable second Hook-and-loop tape that can be easily removed and replaced. This segmentation allows the permanent portion to remain secured while the wear-prone portion can be independently replaced.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The second Hook-and-loop tape acts as an intermediary between the user and the permanent first tape. It absorbs the wear from frequent attachment and detachment operations, protecting the permanently fixed first tape from degradation while still providing secure joining functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Stability of the object's composition

If Hook-and-loop tapes are firmly attached to the appliance, then stable joining is achieved, but replacement requires substantial effort and cost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvejoining stabilityVSAvoidreplacement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The joining means are segmented into a permanently fixed first Hook-and-loop tape and a replaceable second Hook-and-loop tape. This allows the stable permanent attachment to remain while simplifying the replacement process for the wear-prone component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The second Hook-and-loop tape is designed as a consumable component that can be easily replaced when worn. This disposable approach reduces the overall complexity of replacement compared to replacing entire appliances or permanently fixed tapes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Reliability

If entire products are replaced when tapes wear out, then secure joining is maintained, but costs increase substantially

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvejoining securityVSAvoidproduct replacement cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The wear-prone second Hook-and-loop tape is extracted as a separate replaceable component from the main appliance. This allows only the worn tape to be replaced rather than the entire appliance, significantly reducing replacement costs while maintaining joining security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The worn second Hook-and-loop tape can be discarded and replaced with a new one, while the permanent first tape and the rest of the appliance are retained and reused. This selective replacement approach minimizes waste and reduces costs compared to replacing entire products.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

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

This solution extends the life of the gymnastic appliances by allowing easy replacement of the wear-prone double-sided Hook-and-loop tape, preventing injuries from loose joints and reducing costs associated with frequent replacements.

Implementation Method 1

the joining means include Hook-and-loop tapes, and wherein the first and second appliances via the joining means are adapted for mutual joining, wherein this joining is effected by complementary Hook-and-loop tapes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHook-and-loop mechanism: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentEP2786786B1Sports mat with Velcro joining means
Publication Date: 2019.09.04 PE REDSKABER
  • EP2786786B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2786786B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2786786B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The present invention concerns a gymnastic appliance (1) of the type typically used in connection with performing jumping, trampoline or tumbling, wherein the gymnastic appliance includes one or more elastic pads (2,3) or members with joining means (8) at or along at least part of the top side (4), bottom side (5) and/or lateral sides (6) of the appliance, wherein the joining means include Velcro tapes, and wherein joining is effected by complementary Velcro tapes arranged on respective appliances, and where respective appliances together constitute a gymnastic appliance. The new feature of a gymnastic appliance according to the invention is that the joining means are joined with and at least partially covered by a double-sided Velcro tape member (9) with a first side and a second side, the Velcro tape member at the first side including Velcro tape which is complementary to the Velcro tape arranged on the first appliance, and on the second and opposite side including Velcro tape which is complementary to the Velcro tape found on another appliance.