Removable clothing patch and associated methods
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Solution Overview
Problem
Commercially available decorative clothing patches are difficult to use in temporary or semi-permanent arrangements as they often require mechanical attachments or chemical bonds that leave residue, and lack durability for multiple applications and rearrangements.
Innovation Solution
A removable and reusable fabric patch with customizable graphic designs, composed of a printed graphical layer and a fabric substrate attached via sublimation printing and a water-soluble adhesive, allowing for DIY arrangement and attachment to various surfaces using temporary or permanent means.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical attachments or chemical bonds are used to attach patches, then the patches can be securely attached to clothing, but they leave residue and are difficult to remove
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical-chemical parameters of the adhesive by using a water-soluble adhesive instead of traditional mechanical attachments or permanent chemical bonds. This allows the patch to be securely attached when dry but easily removed by wetting, resolving the contradiction between attachment security and removal ease
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the phase transition of water from liquid to absorbed state to activate the adhesive. The water-soluble adhesive remains inactive until exposed to moisture, at which point it transitions from a non-adhesive state to an adhesive state, enabling easy application and removal while maintaining secure attachment during wear
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional adhesive patches are used, then they can be attached to clothing, but they lack durability for multiple applications and rearrangements
Solution Approach 1:
The fabric substrate parameters are optimized to withstand multiple applications and rearrangements. The specific fabric composition and construction provide durability while the water-soluble adhesive allows for repeated attachment and removal without degrading the patch or leaving residue, enabling multiple rearrangements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a disposable carrier sheet that is discarded after use, allowing the actual patch to be reused multiple times. This disposable element enables easy rearrangement and repositioning without compromising the durability of the patch itself, as the carrier sheet is replaced with each new application
3Adaptability or versatility
If customizable graphic designs are added to patches, then user self-expression is enabled, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses sublimation printing to transfer graphic designs onto the fabric substrate. This copying process allows customizable designs to be applied to the patches without significantly increasing manufacturing complexity, as the printing process can be integrated into existing fabric production workflows and allows for easy design changes
Solution Approach 2:
The graphic designs are applied to the fabric substrate before the patch assembly process. By preliminarily printing the designs onto the fabric in bulk before cutting and assembling individual patches, the manufacturing process is streamlined and complexity is minimized while still allowing for customization
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 easy, residue-free attachment and detachment of patches on clothing and other surfaces, providing durability for multiple applications and rearrangements while allowing for creative customization and self-expression.
Implementation Method 1
an adhesive applied to the second layer, the adhesive capable of connecting the garment patch to a surface, the adhesive being a water soluble glue
Implementation Method 2
a second layer attached to the first layer being a fabric substrate layer, the first layer attached to the second layer by sublimation printing
Data Source
AI summary
A customizable garment patch including at least a first layer, the first layer being a printed graphical layer, a second layer attached to the first layer being a fabric substrate layer, the first layer attached to the second layer by sublimation printing, an adhesive applied to the second layer, the adhesive capable of connecting the garment patch to a surface and the adhesive being a water soluble glue.