Profiled Seaming Element for Strong, Continuous Textile Seams
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing industrial textiles for filtration and conveying applications require high-strength seams that maintain continuity with the fabric, are easily joinable on machines, and are applicable to both woven and nonwoven textiles, but current seam constructions do not fully meet these requirements.
Innovation Solution
The development of seaming elements with a polymeric film construction featuring slits and embossed profiles, where apertures along a fold line create loops that interdigitate with corresponding loops on the textile, allowing for secure and continuous seams using a pintle or similar securing means.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional pin type seams are used to join industrial textiles, then high strength join and simple closure are achieved, but fabric continuity and permeability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The seam element incorporates profiled land areas with protrusions that locally replicate the fabric's surface structure, creating zones of enhanced engagement that maintain both strength and continuity. The protrusions on land areas provide localized mechanical interlocking while the overall seam structure maintains fabric permeability and visual continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The seam element is divided into distinct functional zones including apertured regions for permeability, profiled land areas with protrusions for mechanical engagement, and smooth regions for bonding. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function while collectively achieving both high strength and fabric continuity.
2Reliability
If complex seam constructions are used to maintain fabric properties, then fabric continuity is improved, but ease of operation and installation become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The profiled land areas with protrusions automatically engage with corresponding features on the opposing fabric edge during the bonding process, eliminating the need for complex alignment procedures. The protrusions self-align and interlock as the seam is bonded, making the closure process simple while maintaining fabric continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The protrusions are pre-formed on the land areas during seam element manufacturing, so that when the seam is applied to the fabric, the mechanical engagement features are already in place and ready to interlock immediately upon bonding, simplifying the installation process.
3Reliability
If seamless construction is used to maintain fabric continuity, then fabric properties are preserved, but adaptability to different textile types (woven and nonwoven) is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The seam element design with profiled land areas and protrusions creates a universal bonding interface that effectively engages with both woven and nonwoven fabric structures. The protrusions can interlock with the interlacing points of woven fabrics while also bonding to the fiber matrix of nonwoven fabrics, making the seam construction universally applicable.
Solution Approach 2:
The profiled land areas with protrusions create localized engagement zones that adapt to different fabric structures. The protrusions can penetrate and engage with woven interlacings or bond to nonwoven fiber clusters, providing versatile attachment while maintaining overall seam continuity suitable for both fabric types.
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 solution provides a strong, continuous seam that is easily assembled on machines, suitable for various industrial textiles, including both woven and nonwoven types, enhancing fabric integrity and usability in filtration and conveying processes.
Implementation Method 1
the seaming element is constructed and arranged to be secured at each of the first and second end regions directly to a respective one of a pair of opposing ends of an industrial textile
Implementation Method 2
the plurality of loops of the first seaming element are alignable and interdigitatable with a plurality of loops on a second seaming element provided to the second end of the industrial textile to define a single channel to receive a securing means so as to close the seam
Data Source
AI summary
A seaming element for an industrial textile, a textile with seaming elements, and a method. The seaming element has first and second end regions, a fold line in an intermediate fold region, and outer and inner surfaces. Each end region comprises slits extending from the outer surface through to the inner surface, defining protrusions which provide a profile to at least one of the surfaces. Apertures aligned along the fold line define a plurality of land areas. When the seaming element is folded along the fold line, the land areas form a plurality of loops defining a channel. When the seaming element is secured at each end region to a first end of the industrial textile, the loops are interdigitatable with corresponding loops on a compatible seaming element at a second end of the industrial textile, to define a single aligned channel to receive a securing means.