Multi-Needle Quilting Tape Guide for In-Line Handle Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for applying tape strips to quilted mattress covers, such as handles, require separate post-quilting sewing steps, increasing production time and costs.
Innovation Solution
Integrating the application of tape strips into the quilting process using a multi-needle quilting machine with a tape guiding device, where the same quilting stitches that join the layers of quilted material also secure the tape strips, eliminating the need for additional sewing steps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If tape strips are applied to quilted mattress covers using separate post-quilting sewing steps, then the tape strips can be securely attached, but production time increases and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the tape strip attachment operation with the quilting operation into a single integrated process. The multi-needle quilting machine simultaneously performs both functions: securing the tape strips to the fabric and quilting the mattress cover layers together, eliminating the need for separate post-quilting sewing steps and reducing production time
Solution Approach 2:
The tape strips are positioned and attached to the fabric during the quilting process itself, before the final product is completed. This preliminary integration of the attachment step into the main manufacturing process avoids subsequent separate operations and streamlines production
2Reliability
If separate post-quilting sewing steps are used to apply tape strips, then proper attachment is achieved, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the tape strip attachment function with the quilting function into a single integrated machine operation. By using a multi-needle quilting machine that can simultaneously attach tape strips and quilt the mattress cover, the patent eliminates the need for separate sewing equipment and operations, thereby reducing manufacturing costs
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-needle quilting machine is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it can attach tape strips to the fabric, quilt the mattress cover layers together, and create decorative stitching patterns. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated machines for each operation, reducing overall manufacturing cost
3Reliability
If multiple separate sewing processes are used for tape application, then comprehensive coverage is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sewing functions into a single integrated quilting machine system. The multi-needle machine performs both tape strip attachment and quilting operations simultaneously through coordinated needle movements, eliminating the need for multiple separate sewing processes and reducing overall process complexity
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 2C
AI summary
A multi-needle quilting machine (20) is provided with a tape or ribbon guide (30) that is operated by a method by which a narrow strip (32) is fed against a facing layer of a wide multi-layered material (24) as it is fed into the quilting machine. In the quilting machine, series of chain stitches are sewn, at least one of which joins the tape (32) and layers of the multi-layered material (24) together with the same thread in a quilting process, thereby applying the tape (32) to the quilted product in a single quilting operation without the need for a post-quilting tape application step. The tape may form a decorative strip or have unsewn sections that serve as handles for a mattress when the quilted product is formed into a mattress cover. The quilting machine, the tape application attachment, the quilting method, the quilted panels, and mattresses having the quilted panels are claimed.