Fabric having uneven-surface design, and method for producing same

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for imparting a fine uneven-surface design to fabrics fail to achieve a balance between flexibility and wear resistance due to the elasticity of fibers, and the use of resin films can impair the soft feel and durability of the fabric.

Innovation Solution

A fabric with a polyurethane resin applied portion, where the application depth is 50 to 200 µm, filling ratio of polyurethane resin is 15% to 45%, and filling ratio of fibers is 50% to 80%, allowing the resin to permeate between fibers and form a lump state, thereby enhancing flexibility and wear resistance while suppressing compression resilience.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If heat pressing is performed through embossing to impart a fine uneven-surface shape, then the surface design is improved, but the shaping effect is insufficient due to compression resilience caused by fiber elasticity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuneven-surface shapeVSAvoidshaping effect
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies a resin composition layer containing polyurethane resin and silicone oil onto the fabric surface. This composite material system combines the structural support of resin with the flexibility and compression resistance of silicone oil, creating a material that maintains fine uneven-surface shapes while suppressing fiber elasticity. The resin forms a matrix that locks in the embossed pattern, preventing recovery from compression.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the physical and chemical parameters of the fabric surface by applying a resin composition with specific properties (polyurethane resin with silicone oil). This changes the surface characteristics from pure fiber structure to a resin-coated structure with different mechanical properties, including reduced compression resilience and improved shape retention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Shape

If fibers with small fineness are used to reduce compression resilience, then a fine uneven-surface shape can be imparted, but the shape lacks durability and disappears due to wear

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefine uneven-surface shapeVSAvoiddurability
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a composite material system where fine fibers provide the base structure for fine uneven-surface shapes, while an added resin composition layer (polyurethane resin with silicone oil) provides durability and wear resistance. The resin layer protects the fine fiber structure from degradation while maintaining the desired surface geometry.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Shape

If a resin film is formed on the fabric surface to improve shaping properties, then a fine uneven-surface shape can be imparted, but the soft feel and appearance of fibers are impaired and cracking may occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefine uneven-surface shapeVSAvoidcracking and impaired soft feel
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the resin formulation from conventional pure resin to a resin composition containing polyurethane resin and silicone oil. This parameter change in material composition reduces cracking tendency and maintains soft feel while achieving fine uneven-surface shaping. The silicone oil component specifically addresses the cracking issue.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The silicone oil acts as an intermediary substance within the resin composition, modifying the resin's properties to reduce brittleness and cracking. It serves as a plasticizer or flexible agent that allows the resin film to maintain flexibility and soft feel while still providing sufficient shaping capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 solution provides a fabric with a fine uneven-surface design that is both flexible and wear-resistant, maintaining the soft feel and durability of the fibers while effectively shaping the embossed pattern.

Implementation Method 1

a polyurethane resin which permeates between fibers at least in a surface portion of the fabric

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Implementation Method 2

the surface of the fabric is subjected to embossing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat pressing: Heating

Implementation Method 3

heat pressing is performed through the embossing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Data Source

PatentEP3235946B1Fabric having uneven-surface design, and method for producing same
Publication Date: 2019.06.12 SEIREN CO LTD
  • EP3235946B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3235946B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3235946B1 patent drawing

AI summary

Provided is a fabric to which an uneven-surface design which is fine and has flexibility and wear resistance is imparted. The fabric has a polyurethane resin applied portion on at least a portion of a surface side of the fabric, and an uneven-surface design shaped on the polyurethane resin applied portion. The polyurethane resin applied portion is a region in which a polyurethane resin which is applied is present, and the polyurethane resin permeates between the fibers at least in a surface portion of the fabric such that a surface of the fabric is formed by the polyurethane resin and the fibers. In the polyurethane resin applied portion, an application depth of the polyurethane resin is 50 to 200 µm, a filling ratio of the polyurethane resin is 15% to 45%, and a filling ratio of the fibers of the fabric is 50% to 80%.