Pivoting Tensioning Device for Wrinkle-Free Textile and Plastic Sheets

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tensioning devices for materials like plastic sheets and textiles often result in wrinkled or uneven surfaces due to insufficient tension, which can be aesthetically unpleasing and prone to loss of tension over time.

Innovation Solution

A tensioning device comprising a support profile and a pivoting tensioning element that increases the distance between the element to be tensioned and the tensioning element, allowing for efficient tensioning through a simple movement and maintaining tension over time, with optional mechanical assistance for high force application.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional tensioning devices are used, then tensioning can be applied, but the surface becomes wrinkled or uneven due to insufficient tension

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurface smoothnessVSAvoidtension force
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The tensioning element is designed to pivot between a first position (non-tensioning) and a second position (tensioning), transforming a static structure into a dynamic one. This allows the system to adapt its tensioning force by changing the angular position of the element, enabling precise control over the applied force to achieve smooth surfaces without excessive tension.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the geometric parameter of the distance between the support profile and the tensioning element by pivoting the tensioning element. This parameter change allows continuous adjustment of tensioning force, enabling the system to achieve the optimal balance between sufficient tension for surface smoothness and controlled force to prevent material damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If great tension is applied to eliminate wrinkles, then surface smoothness improves, but the tensioning becomes undone after prolonged use

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurface smoothnessVSAvoidtension maintenance
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The pivoting mechanism allows the tensioning element to dynamically adjust to material relaxation over time. As the material settles, the element can be repositioned to maintain optimal tension, preventing the tensioning from becoming undone while avoiding excessive initial tension that would cause surface defects.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables monitoring and adjustment of tensioning force over time through the pivoting mechanism. Users can observe surface conditions and adjust the element's position to maintain proper tension, creating a feedback loop that ensures long-term reliability and prevents tension loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Device complexity

If a simple tensioning mechanism is used, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to maintain tension over time is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanism simplicityVSAvoidtension maintenance
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The single pivoting element provides a simple yet effective dynamic mechanism that enables tension adjustment without complex systems. The pivot joint allows the element to move between positions, providing tension maintenance capability while keeping the overall device structure simple and easy to manufacture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Stability of the object's composition

If the tensioning element is firmly fixed, then structural stability is improved, but the ability to adjust tension is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidtension adjustment
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The tensioning element is designed with a pivot connection that provides rotational freedom while maintaining structural integrity. This dynamic connection allows the element to adjust its angular position for tension control while remaining firmly attached to the support profile, achieving both stability and adaptability simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

The device effectively prevents wrinkles and maintains tension, ensuring a smooth, aesthetically pleasing surface and prolonged usability of the tensioned material.

Implementation Method 1

a tensioning element (2) intended to be joined to the end area (3.1) of the element (3) to be tensioned... by means of the pivoting thereof the element (3) to be tensioned changes between a non-tensioned position and a tensioned position wherein the element (3) to be tensioned pulls from the end of the element (3) to be tensioned in order to achieve the tensioning thereof

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP2248960B1A device for tensioning an element, for instance a plastic sheet or a textile material, a panel with such a device and an assembly method
Publication Date: 2013.01.23 IASO
  • EP2248960B1 patent drawingFigure 1~5
  • EP2248960B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2248960B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The object of this invention is a tensioning device which can be used for tensioning, for example, plastic sheets, textile materials (3) and those that can be tensioned on a support structure so that the laminar element is left free of wrinkles or undulations. Another object of this invention is a panel which comprises said tensioning device and the assembly method thereof. The device object of the invention comprises at least a profile (1) intended to support the element (3) to be tensioned and a tensioning element (2) intended to be joined to the end area of the element to be tensioned. The tensioning element, in its operative position, is disposed joined to one of the faces (1.2) of the support profile in a pivoting manner so that by means of the pivoting thereof the element to be tensioned changes between a non-tensioned position and a tensioned position.