Polypropylene Loop Composite for Hook-and-Loop Fastener

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing composite elements for hook-and-loop fasteners, particularly in disposable diapers, face challenges in achieving sufficient stability while minimizing production costs and avoiding adhesive gluing, which compromises the Velcro effect and durability.

Innovation Solution

The use of a composite material structure where polyamide threads form the basic structure for strength and adhesion, and polyolefin, specifically polypropylene, is used for the loops to enhance the Velcro effect and reduce adhesive bonding, allowing for easier detachment and improved connectivity with Velcro hooks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If adhesive is used to laminate the textile material to the backing, then stability and strength are improved, but the Velcro effect deteriorates because loops become glued and unavailable for connection

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovestabilityVSAvoidVelcro effect
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies adhesive bonding only in specific areas where loops are not present, such as the spaces between loop groups or in non-loop areas of the textile material. This localized bonding approach maintains the Velcro effect in loop areas while providing stability in adhesive-bonded areas, resolving the contradiction between strength and Velcro functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The textile material is divided into distinct loop areas and non-loop areas. Adhesive is applied only to non-loop areas, segmenting the bonding function from the Velcro connection function. This allows loops to remain free for Velcro hooks while the backing gains stability through strategic adhesive placement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Stability of the object's composition

If full-surface adhesive bonding is used, then stability is improved, but production costs increase and loop accessibility deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovestabilityVSAvoidproduction costs
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of applying adhesive over the entire surface, the patent uses partial-area bonding only in non-loop regions. This reduces adhesive consumption and production costs while maintaining sufficient stability for the application, avoiding the excessive action of full-surface bonding.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Reliability

If adhesive bonding is reduced or eliminated, then Velcro effect is improved, but strength and stability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveVelcro effectVSAvoidstrength
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates different functional zones: loop areas with high Velcro effectiveness and non-loop areas with adhesive bonding for strength. This local differentiation allows the material to exhibit both excellent Velcro performance and sufficient mechanical strength simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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

This approach results in a composite element with improved Velcro performance, increased strength, and cost savings, as the polyolefin loops are less bonded, enabling better detachment and reuse, while polyamide ensures stability and adhesion, optimizing the hook-and-loop effect.

Implementation Method 1

a textile material (2) laminated to the backing (1) by adhesive

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesive bonding: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentEP2455522B1Compound material element for a hook-and-loop fastener
Publication Date: 2016.03.16 MONDI CONSUMER PACKAGING TECH
  • EP2455522B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2455522B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2455522B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a composite element for a hook-and-loop fastener, in particular for a diaper fastener, comprising a carrier (1) and a textile material (2) laminated to the carrier (1), which has a base structure selected from threads (L1, L2) and threads (L3) incorporated into the base structure by knitting. The threads (L3) incorporated into the base structure by knitting form loops (3) for connection with hook-and-loop fasteners. At least a portion of the threads (L1) or fibers of the base structure is made of polyamide. According to the invention, the threads (L3) incorporated into the base structure by knitting have polyolefin, in particular polypropylene, as their main component.