Patchwork quilt with framed keepsakes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing patchwork quilts lack a convenient method for incorporating keepsakes after the quilt is completed, as existing solutions require meticulous measurement and sewing of keepsakes before completion or do not provide a border for securing items within the quilt.

Innovation Solution

The quilt features patchwork squares with a perimeter border formed from heat-activated, dual-sided adhesive fabric strips, allowing users to insert keepsakes after the quilt is assembled by lifting the unsecured inner edge and applying heat to secure the keepsake within the border.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If keepsakes are sewn into the quilt before completion, then the keepsakes are securely attached, but the process requires meticulous measurement and cutting of each keepsake, increasing complexity and time consumption

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure attachment of keepsakesVSAvoidcomplexity of keepsake integration process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fabric strips are pre-equipped with heat-activated adhesive during manufacturing, but the actual attachment of keepsakes is deferred until the user wants to add them. The adhesive is activated only when needed through application of heat from an iron, combining preparation in advance with on-demand execution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical sewing process with a thermal adhesive system. Instead of requiring needles, threads, and meticulous hand-sewing or machine-sewing of each keepsake, the user simply applies heat to activate the adhesive on the fabric strips, which then bonds the keepsake securely in place.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If traditional patchwork methods are used without borders, then the quilt has a clean unified appearance, but there is no means to insert or secure keepsakes within the quilt squares

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to incorporate keepsakesVSAvoidappearance of quilt squares

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The fabric strips are applied only at the perimeter borders of each quilt square, leaving the center area intact and unobtrusive. This localized application provides the functional benefit of keepsake insertion while maintaining the aesthetic quality of the overall quilt design, as the strips are positioned where they are least visually disruptive.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The fabric strips serve as an intermediary element between the quilt square and the keepsake. They provide a functional border that facilitates keepsake insertion while acting as a visual mediator that frames the keepsake and integrates it into the quilt's overall aesthetic, rather than directly attaching the keepsake to the square itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Stability of the object's composition

If keepsakes are inserted after quilt completion, then the quilt structure remains intact, but existing solutions do not provide a border mechanism for securing items

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintegrity of quilt structureVSAvoidease of keepsake insertion

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The fabric strips with heat-activated adhesive are incorporated into the quilt structure during the quilting process itself, before the quilt is completed and used. This preliminary preparation ensures the strips are securely integrated into the quilt's layered construction, providing a stable foundation for future keepsake insertion without compromising the quilt's structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical attachment systems with a simple thermal adhesive mechanism. The heat-activated adhesive on the fabric strips allows keepsakes to be securely attached through a simple ironing motion, making the process as easy as pressing an iron while maintaining the quilt's structural stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 and secure integration of keepsakes into the quilt after completion, providing a convenient means to preserve memories and personal items within the quilt's design.

Implementation Method 1

Each border strip comprises a heat-activated, dual sided adhesive

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat-activated adhesive: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentUS10368663B2Patchwork quilt with framed keepsakes

Publication Date: 2019.08.06 PINOLI NANCY

AI summary

A blanket in the form of a patchwork quilt and a method of creation is provided. The quilt comprises a plurality of patchwork squares that are cut from a variety of cloth pieces. A plurality of fabric strips is cut to form the border of the patchwork square, whereby each strip comprises a heat-activated, dual-sided adhesive. The outer edges of the plurality of fabric strips are then sewn around the perimeter of the patchwork square, while the inner edge remains unsecured to the square. A keepsake may be inserted within the inner perimeter of the border, thereafter a user may secure the keepsake within the border by applying a heat source to the border.