Releasable Button Fastener with Spring-Loaded Pin
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Solution Overview
Problem
Buttons on garments frequently break or fall off due to stitching deterioration, requiring time and skill to replace, and once sewn on, they cannot be easily interchanged or replaced without removal and re-sewing.
Innovation Solution
A releasable fastener system comprising a pin with a head and stem, and a base with a mechanism using springs and release buttons to securely attach the pin to the fabric, allowing for easy replacement and depth control of the pin insertion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a button is sewn onto a garment, then the button is securely attached, but the button cannot be easily replaced or interchanged
Solution Approach 1:
The button system is divided into separate components: a button body and a fastening mechanism that can be independently attached to the garment. This segmentation allows the button to remain securely attached through the fastening mechanism while enabling easy replacement by simply detaching and reattaching components without sewing.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening mechanism incorporates movable parts such as springs, clips, or snap components that transition between engaged and disengaged states. This dynamic design provides secure attachment during normal use while allowing quick release and replacement when needed, resolving the contradiction between security and ease of replacement.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a button is sewn onto a garment, then the button remains fixed in position, but the ornamental aspect cannot be interchanged or replaced
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the ornamental button body from the functional fastening mechanism, the design allows the button head to be easily swapped while the fastening component remains attached to the garment. This maintains stable positioning through the fixed fastening mechanism while enabling versatile ornamental interchangeability.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening mechanism is designed as a universal base that can accommodate multiple different button styles and designs. This multi-functional approach allows the same fastening system to securely hold various ornamental buttons, providing both position stability and design versatility.
3Reliability
If traditional stitching is used to attach a button, then the button is securely fixed, but replacement requires time and skill
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the traditional stitching mechanism with a mechanical fastening system such as springs, clips, or snap components. This substitution maintains secure attachment reliability while eliminating the need for sewing skills and significantly reducing replacement time to simple mechanical operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening mechanism is designed to be self-contained and self-explanatory, requiring no specialized skills for operation. Users can easily attach and detach buttons themselves without needing tailoring expertise, reducing both time loss and skill requirements while maintaining secure attachment.
4Duration of action of stationary object
If a button is sewn onto a garment, then the attachment is durable, but the stitching deteriorates causing buttons to break or fall off
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the stitching mechanism with a mechanical fastening system that does not rely on thread or fabric integrity. This substitution eliminates the deterioration problem inherent in stitching while providing durable, reliable attachment through robust mechanical components such as springs and clips.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening mechanism uses adjustable parameters such as spring tension, clip grip force, or snap engagement strength to maintain reliable attachment over time. These parameters can be optimized to provide durable retention without the deterioration issues of stitching, ensuring long-term button reliability.
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
Enables quick and easy replacement of buttons without sewing, preserving the ornamental aspect and reducing wear on the fabric, while allowing for customizable designs and secure attachment.
Implementation Method 1
Within the cavity of the case is a first spring coupled to the case and configured to secure the stem within the cavity of the case
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for replacing a button is provided having a pin and a base. The pin includes a head and a stem attached to, and substantially perpendicular to, the head. The base includes a case having a cavity defined by a top surface including an opening for receiving the stem and a side surface coupled to the top surface. A mechanism for securing the pin within the case includes one or two springs, configured to releasably engage a ridged portion of the stem of the pin. The depth of insertion of the pin into the case is controlled by the engagement of the pin and the springs, a solid bottom surface of the case, and a flange on the stem that engages the top surface of the case at a desired depth.