Sewing Machine Seam Sealing Attachment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sewing methods require separate operations for sewing and sealing seams, which are often not fully sealed, leading to leaks and added weight or stiffness in products like garments, and existing solutions either cover the seam or require additional equipment and labor.
Innovation Solution
A mechanism for sewing machines that uses a series of driven heated rollers and a belt to apply heat and pressure simultaneously with sewing, melting thermoplastic polymer thread and strips to seal seams in a single operation, with electronic control for temperature management and synchronization with the sewing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a wide tape of thermoplastic polymer with adhesive layer is applied over a previously sewn seam using heated rollers, then the seam is covered and sealed, but the process requires separate operations for sewing and sealing, increasing labor requirements, floor space requirements, and equipment costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sewing operation and seam sealing operation into a single integrated process. The polymer strip is fed between the fabric layers during sewing, and the same sewing machine needle and presser foot mechanism that sews the seam also applies heat and pressure to melt the polymer and seal the seam simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate sealing equipment and operations
Solution Approach 2:
The sewing machine is adapted to perform multiple functions: it not only sews the fabric layers together using thread but also seals the seam by melting the polymer strip through the heat generated by friction and pressure during the sewing process, making the sewing machine a multi-functional device
2Reliability
If a wide tape of thermoplastic polymer is applied over the seam to seal it, then the seam is covered, but the tape stiffens the seam and restricts the wearer's motion in garments
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of applying a wide tape that covers the entire seam area, the patent uses a narrow polymer strip (approximately 1/8 to 1/4 inch wide) that is precisely positioned only where needed to seal the needle punctures and spaces between stitches, leaving the surrounding fabric flexible and unaffected
Solution Approach 2:
The polymer strip is designed as a thin, flexible material that melts and bonds to the fabric, creating a sealed seam that maintains the flexibility and drape of the original fabric rather than imposing a stiff covering
3Weight of moving object
If a narrow strip of thermoplastic polymer is inserted between fabric members and bonded during sewing, then the seam is sealed internally without additional weight or stiffness, but the heat and pressure application mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The sewing machine's own operational parameters (needle temperature from friction, presser foot pressure) are utilized to melt and bond the polymer strip, rather than requiring separate heating and pressing mechanisms, thus avoiding additional device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the operational parameters of the sewing machine, specifically increasing the temperature of the needle and presser foot through controlled friction and pressure, to enable the melting and bonding of the polymer strip during the normal sewing process
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
This method effectively seals seams during the sewing process, reducing labor and equipment costs, maintaining seam form, and providing a waterproof seal without additional weight or stiffness, enhancing the efficiency and quality of seam sealing.
Implementation Method 1
uses a series of driven heated rollers and a belt to apply heat and pressure simultaneously with sewing, melting thermoplastic polymer thread and strips to seal seams
Implementation Method 2
uses a series of driven heated rollers and a belt to apply heat and pressure simultaneously with sewing
Data Source
AI summary
An attachment (24) for a sewing machine (10) to provide simultaneous sewing and sealing of a seam comprises a reel (23) for dispensing a strip of adhesive thermoplastic polymer (25) between fabric members (7,9) to be sewn. A plurality of heated driven rollers (40, 42, 44) opposed to heated idler rollers (50) having a continuous belt (52) thereover collectively exert heat and pressure on the seam, melting the polymer strip (25) so as to seal the seam. Thread (17) having been treated with adhesive thermoplastic polymer may be employed to seal the punctures in the fabric made by the sewing machine's needle (19). The driven rollers are driven in synchronization with the operation of the sewing machine and are engaged with and withdrawn from the seam responsive to operator command.