Seamless Scrunchy Toroidal Elastic Loop Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional scrunchies with seams or knots can cause discomfort and blood supply issues when worn lying down, and the use of glue to secure the elastic element is prone to weakness and breakage.
Innovation Solution
A scrunchy design featuring an inner elastic element with a looped, seam-free configuration made from woven or knitted fabric, resembling a torus, and an outer tube of gathered fabric that prevents slipping, which can be secured using various methods like thermal bonding or sewing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a knot or seam is used to secure the inner elastic element, then the scrunchy can be assembled, but it creates pressure points that cause discomfort and blood supply issues when worn lying down
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the knot or seam from the inner elastic element, extracting the harmful feature that creates pressure points. The inner elastic element is designed as a continuous loop without any joining points, eliminating the source of discomfort and blood supply issues when worn lying down.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner elastic element is formed as a continuous curved loop rather than a linear element with ends. This curved configuration allows the element to be seamless and without sharp corners or knots, distributing pressure evenly around the circumference and eliminating localized pressure points on the user's head.
2Ease of manufacture
If glue is used to hold the ends of the inner elastic element together, then the loop shape is formed, but it creates a weak point that may break under tension
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the glue joint from the inner elastic element, removing the weak point that could break under tension. The continuous loop configuration without any joining points ensures consistent strength around the entire circumference, preventing the kind of failure that would occur at a glued seam.
3Strength
If the outer tube is sewn together to form a tube, then it provides structural integrity, but it creates seams that can be uncomfortable when worn lying down
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes seams from the outer tube by using a continuous fabric construction method. The outer tube is formed from a continuous strip of fabric that loops around the inner elastic element and secures to itself without creating discrete seams or joining points, eliminating uncomfortable seam pressure on the user's head.
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
The seam-free and knot-free design ensures comfortable wear, including when lying down, and enhances durability by eliminating weak points, allowing for secure hair holding without causing pressure points or breakage.
Implementation Method 1
The inner elastic element typically comprises an elongated element that has been introduced into a conduit... The inner elastic element may comprise or consist of fabric (e.g., a knitted yarn, woven threads or yarn, etc.)
Implementation Method 2
The outer tube may comprise a material that will prevent the scrunchy from slipping off of the gathered hair. As an example, the sleeve may comprise a velvet or velvet-like material
Data Source
AI summary
A seamless scrunchy includes an inner elastic member and an outer tube. The inner elastic member of the scrunchy lacks a seam or a knot, which may eliminate discomfort that might otherwise be caused by a conventional scrunchy.