Removable Nail Button With Threaded Fixing for Garment Reuse
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing nail buttons are not removable without damaging the garment, require specialized machinery for assembly, and have a high environmental impact due to non-compostable materials, limiting their use in large-scale production and eco-friendly disposal.
Innovation Solution
A removable nail button structure with a male and female component that forms a stable internal thread using plastic adaptation mechanisms, allowing attachment and removal with standard punching machines and a screwdriver, featuring a rigid stem and plastic body combination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional nail buttons with circular claws are used, then the button is firmly fixed to the garment, but it cannot be removed without damaging the button or the garment
Solution Approach 1:
The button is divided into two separate components: a male component with external thread and a female component with internal thread. This segmentation allows the button to be assembled and disassembled by unscrewing the male component from the female component, enabling removal without damage while maintaining firm fixation when assembled
Solution Approach 2:
The button transitions from a static permanent fixation (traditional nail buttons) to a dynamic reversible fixation (screw-based system). The threaded connection allows the button to be firmly fixed when assembled and easily removed when unscrewed, providing both reliability and removability
2Ease of operation
If removable buttons with screw-like male element and nut-like female element are used, then the button can be removed, but pre-punched fabric and specialized machinery are required
Solution Approach 1:
The fabric is pre-punched with a hole before button assembly, allowing the male and female components to be inserted and threaded together without requiring specialized screwing machinery. This preliminary action simplifies the manufacturing process while maintaining removability
Solution Approach 2:
The threaded connection between male and female components allows the button to be assembled and disassembled using a standard screwdriver, making the system self-servicing without requiring specialized button-fixing machinery
3Reliability
If traditional nail buttons are used, then the button provides permanent fixation, but it has high environmental impact due to non-compostable materials
Solution Approach 1:
The material composition of the button components is changed from non-compostable traditional materials to compostable materials. This parameter change reduces environmental impact while the threaded mechanical connection maintains the reliability of fixation and removal functionality
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 attachment and removal of buttons using standard machinery, reduces environmental impact through compostable materials, and supports temporary or definitive removal for garment care and disposal.
Implementation Method 1
forms a stable internal thread in the female element which is produced by the male element when the button is fixed to the garment thanks to plastic adaptation mechanisms
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2(a)~2(b)
Figure 3(a)~3(b)
AI summary
The present invention relates to a button of the "nail" type which is completely removable and can be applied to a garment by means of standard punching machines unlike similar buttons of a known type. These characterizing features allow the temporary removal of the button to preserve delicate decorative elements before washing, or the definitive removal of the button to reduce the environmental impact when the garment reaches the end-of-life. This button can be applied on any type of fabric, preferably on jeans fabric.