Stitched Perforated Upholstery for Straight Seam Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for stitching perforated materials, such as leather, often result in distorted stitching lines due to the sewing machine needle preferentially entering perforations, leading to an uneven and aesthetically unpleasing finish, as the stitching tends to zig-zag between existing perforations.

Innovation Solution

The method involves stitching in unperforated regions adjacent to the perforated areas, allowing the stitching and associated holes to blend with existing perforations, creating a more aesthetically pleasing result by spacing the stitching from the perforated regions and forming additional rows of perforations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If stitching is performed on perforated material using conventional methods, then the stitching process can be completed, but the stitching line becomes distorted and zig-zags between perforations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestitching processVSAvoidstitching line straightness
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the stitching operation from the perforated regions and relocates it to unperforated regions. By removing the stitching action from areas with perforations, the harmful interaction between the needle and existing holes is eliminated, allowing the stitching line to remain straight and controlled while still achieving the decorative and functional purposes of stitching.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Productivity

If stitching is performed through perforated regions, then the stitching can be completed, but the aesthetic appeal is reduced due to uneven stitching lines

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestitching completionVSAvoidstitching line uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of stitching through the perforated regions as conventionally done, the invention inverts the approach by stitching in the unperforated regions. This reversal of the stitching location allows the needle to follow a controlled, straight path while the resulting stitch holes visually blend with the existing perforation pattern, maintaining both productivity and aesthetic quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Ease of operation

If the sewing machine needle enters existing perforations, then the stitching process becomes easier, but the stitching line becomes distorted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveneedle penetrationVSAvoidstitching path control
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention introduces unperforated regions as intermediary zones for stitching operations. These regions act as a mediator between the requirement for easy needle penetration and the need for precise stitching path control. The unperforated material provides a controlled environment for the needle to follow the intended stitch line accurately, while the proximity to perforated regions allows the stitch holes to visually integrate with the overall pattern.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2321150B3Method of producing upholstery or automotive trim comprising stitched perforated sheet materials
Publication Date: 2018.09.12 BENTLEY MOTORS
  • EP2321150B3 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2321150B3 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2321150B3 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A method of producing a stitched perforated sheet material including providing a sheet material (3) with a perforated region 4 and an unperforated region (5). The sheet material is then stitched in the unperforated region, but adjacent to the perforated region. This gives an overall perforated appearance whilst avoiding the problems associated with stitching through a perforated material.