Self-Adhering Flame Retardant Patch for Uniform Repair
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for repairing tears and openings in flame-resistant military uniforms and gear, such as using a needle and thread, do not fully restore the flame-resistant integrity of the garments and are impractical for field repairs.
Innovation Solution
A self-adhering flame retardant patch with a pressure-sensitive adhesive laminated to a flame-resistant fabric, digitally printed with a camouflage pattern, that can be quickly applied to the garment without sewing, using a spoon-like object to ensure full adhesion within 45 seconds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If needle and thread is used to repair tears in flame-resistant uniforms, then the tear can be closed, but the flame-resistant integrity is not fully restored and the repair process is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical needle-and-thread sewing system with a pressure-sensitive adhesive system. The adhesive layer, when activated by pressure and heat from body temperature or external sources, bonds the patch to the uniform fabric, providing flame-resistant restoration without the time-consuming manual sewing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in temperature and pressure parameters to activate the pressure-sensitive adhesive. By applying pressure and allowing body heat or external heat to warm the adhesive, the bonding process is accelerated significantly compared to manual sewing, reducing repair time while maintaining flame-resistant integrity.
2Ease of operation
If needle and thread is used to repair tears in the field, then the tear can be closed, but the repair method is impractical for field conditions and does not provide complete protection
Solution Approach 1:
The patch is designed to be self-adhering through pressure-sensitive adhesive that activates with body heat and pressure. Soldiers can apply the patch themselves in field conditions without requiring sewing skills, needles, or thread. The adhesive bonds the patch to the uniform, providing reliable flame-resistant restoration that is both easy to apply and effective in maintaining protection.
3Productivity
If a patch with pressure-sensitive adhesive is used, then the repair can be applied quickly without sewing, but the adhesive must maintain flame-retardant properties and durability through laundering
Solution Approach 1:
The patch is constructed as a composite material system combining flame-resistant fabric (such as Nomex or similar aramid fibers) with a flame-retardant pressure-sensitive adhesive layer. This composite structure ensures that both the fabric and adhesive contribute to the overall flame resistance, while the adhesive provides quick bonding capability. The composite design maintains durability through multiple laundering cycles while enabling rapid application without sewing.
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 patch provides immediate and durable closure of tears, meeting or exceeding flame retardant and NIR compliance standards, and withstands at least 10 laundering cycles with minimal edge separation, ensuring continued protection and camouflage integrity.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure sensitive adhesive laminated to a flame-resistant fabric
Implementation Method 2
The pressure sensitive adhesive contains halogenated flame retardant compounds
Implementation Method 3
rubbing with consistent pressure for approximately 45 seconds, using the convex surface of a spoon-like object, to push the adhesive into the pores of the fabric of the clothing or gear while generating heat to accelerate the adhesion process
Data Source
AI summary
A flame retardant patch for repairing a tear or hole in clothing or gear includes a flame resistant fabric and a pressure sensitive adhesive bonded to the fabric by hot melt lamination. The pressure sensitive adhesive contains halogenated flame retardant compounds. A release paper covers the pressure sensitive adhesive and is removed to allow application of the flame retardant patch to the clothing or other item being repaired. The patch is attached by applying pressure to the top fabric surface of the patch for approximately 45 seconds using the convex surface of a spoon-like object.