Molded Surface Fastener Bending via Segmented Substrate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing molded surface fasteners cannot be easily bent in the width direction and require separate manufacturing processes, leading to increased costs and complexity, with issues such as deformation and breakage of engaging elements during the manufacturing process.
Innovation Solution
A molded surface fastener with a thin plate-shaped substrate featuring alternating engaging and space regions, where the space regions have convex rib portions connecting to lateral wall portions, allowing for easy bending and reducing manufacturing complexity by using the same thermoplastic resin for all components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a molded surface fastener uses a traditional plate-shaped substrate with engaging elements, then the engaging force is sufficient, but the fastener cannot be easily bent in the width direction and requires separate manufacturing processes
Solution Approach 1:
The substrate is divided into alternating engaging regions and space regions in the width direction. The space regions create natural separation zones that allow the fastener to be bent without deforming the engaging elements in the engaging regions. This segmentation enables the fastener to adapt to curved surfaces while maintaining its engaging force.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple components are used to enable bending, then the bending capability is improved, but the manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The substrate, engaging elements, and space regions are integrated into a single molded component made from one piece of thermoplastic resin. This merging of functions into a single component eliminates the need for separate manufacturing processes and assembly steps, reducing both manufacturing cost and complexity while maintaining the bending capability provided by the space regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical structure of the substrate is changed by introducing space regions that modify the mechanical properties of the fastener. These space regions act as flexible zones that allow bending without requiring additional materials or components, achieving adaptability through structural parameter changes rather than adding complexity.
3Reliability
If the fastener is made from multiple materials, then the functional properties are improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The entire fastener including the substrate, engaging elements, and space regions is made from a single thermoplastic resin material. This homogeneous material composition simplifies manufacturing while the alternating pattern of engaging and space regions maintains the functional reliability by protecting engaging elements during bending.
4Adaptability or versatility
If engaging elements are continuously disposed along the substrate, then the engaging force is maximized, but the fastener cannot be bent without deforming the engaging elements
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous arrangement of engaging elements is segmented into discrete groups located within engaging regions. These engaging regions are separated by space regions that act as flexible hinges. This segmentation allows the fastener to bend at the space regions while maintaining the integrity and engaging force of the engaging elements in the engaging regions.
Data Source
AI summary
A molded surface fastener has engagement regions in which engaging elements are disposed in an erect manner and space regions with no engaging elements, the engagement regions and the space regions alternating in the longitudinal direction. Each space region has a pair of left and right vertical wall portions that are disposed on a substrate portion in an erect manner and a convex rib portion that protrudes from the center of the substrate portion in the width direction, and the convex rib portion is integrally connected to a main lateral wall portion disposed in the width direction of the engagement region. By implementing a simple cutting process, this molded surface fastener can be easily adapted to usages in which the fastener has to be in a curved shape bending in the width direction.