Molded Surface Fastener Lateral Wall Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing molded surface fasteners face challenges in maintaining a stable engaging/connecting force due to foam resin material entering the engagement element region, especially when the cushion body is foamed and molded, leading to weakened contact between the surface fastener member and the cavity surface, which can result in reduced adhesion and increased risk of foam resin material flowing into the engagement element region.
Innovation Solution
The molded surface fastener features a configuration with left and right longitudinal protective wall sections and front and rear lateral protective wall sections, where the lateral protective wall sections include an outer first lateral wall section and an inner second lateral wall section, with a distance between them set smaller than the mounting pitch of the engagement elements, and second engagement elements placed on the second lateral wall section to enhance the engagement element region and prevent foam resin material entry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the cushion body is foamed and molded with the molded surface fastener integrally attached, then the surface fastener is fixed to the cushion body, but foam resin material enters the engagement element region, weakening contact between the surface fastener member and cavity surface
Solution Approach 1:
The lateral protective wall section is divided into two segments: the first lateral wall section (outer) and the second lateral wall section (inner). This segmentation creates a dual-barrier system where the first wall section blocks foam resin material from reaching the engagement element region, while the second wall section provides additional protection and enhances the engagement element region. The segmentation resolves the contradiction by creating specialized zones that prevent harmful material entry while maintaining reliable engagement force.
Solution Approach 2:
The first lateral wall section acts as an intermediary barrier between the foam resin material and the engagement element region. By placing this intermediate structure, the patent prevents direct contact between the harmful foam resin material and the critical engagement elements, thereby maintaining the reliability of the engaging/connecting force while allowing the foaming process to proceed.
2Reliability
If the distance between the first lateral wall section and second lateral wall section is set smaller than the mounting pitch of engagement elements, then foam resin material entry is prevented, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The first lateral wall section and second lateral wall section are merged into a single integrated protective wall structure. This merging approach combines the protective function of the first wall section with the engagement-enhancing function of the second wall section, creating a unified structure that prevents foam resin material entry while maintaining engagement reliability. The integration reduces overall structural complexity compared to having separate, independent protective mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The second lateral wall section serves multiple functions: it acts as an additional barrier against foam resin material entry, enhances the engagement element region by providing extra engagement elements, and maintains the structural integrity of the protective wall section. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by achieving reliable protection without requiring separate dedicated components for each function.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the molded surface fastener is made flexible to match curved cavity surfaces, then adhesion to cushion body is improved, but contact with cavity surface becomes unstable
Solution Approach 1:
The protective wall section is segmented into multiple functional zones (first lateral wall section and second lateral wall section) that can independently interact with the cavity surface. This segmentation allows different portions of the surface fastener to adapt to curved surfaces while maintaining stable contact through the distributed engagement elements along the protective wall sections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a lateral dimension to the protective structure by extending the protective wall sections perpendicular to the engagement element region. This dimensional addition creates a three-dimensional protective barrier that maintains stable contact with the cavity surface while allowing the fastener to conform to curved surfaces, resolving the contradiction between flexibility and contact stability.
Data Source
AI summary
A surface fastener member includes left and right longitudinal protective wall sections and front and rear lateral protective wall sections. Each of the lateral protective wall sections includes an outer first lateral wall section and an inner second lateral wall section. The first lateral wall section is continuously placed between the left and right longitudinal protective wall sections at a predetermined height. The second lateral wall section includes a plurality of divided lateral wall bodies which are intermittently placed along a width direction, and a plurality of second engagement elements. The distance is set smaller than a mounting pitch of the first engagement elements in the longitudinal direction of the surface fastener member. According to this, when the molded surface fastener is integrally molded on a cushion body, it is possible to prevent resin material from entering an engagement element region of the surface fastener member.