Sewing Thread Dyeing with Combined Preparation and Dye Application

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for producing dyed sewing threads, especially airbag threads, are economically inefficient due to time-consuming dyeing processes and potential issues with thread adhesion during the dyeing process, leading to costly production downtimes.

Innovation Solution

A method where a mixture of preparation and dye is applied directly to the thread using a dosing system or godet bath, eliminating the need for a dye bath and allowing for a dyebath-free process, with the thread being wound and prepared for sale in a short time, ensuring the thread is ready for use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional dyeing processes are used with separate preparation steps, then uniform and reproducible dyeing is achieved, but production time increases and economic efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedyeing uniformityVSAvoidproduction efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the preparation application and dyeing processes into a single integrated step. The preparation and dye are mixed together to form a combined composition that is applied to the thread in one operation, eliminating the need for separate preparation and dyeing steps. This merging of processes significantly reduces production time while maintaining acceptable coloring results for airbag threads where exact uniformity is not critical.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If separate preparation and dyeing processes are used, then thread properties are improved, but production costs increase due to multiple processing steps

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethread qualityVSAvoidproduction cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the preparation and dyeing processes into a single step by combining the preparation and dye into one composition. This integrated approach reduces the number of processing steps, equipment requirements, and operational complexities, thereby lowering production costs while still delivering threads with improved properties suitable for airbag manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Manufacturing precision

If preparation and dye are applied separately, then precise control of each property is achieved, but process complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproperty controlVSAvoidprocess complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent simplifies the overall process by combining preparation and dye into a single composition that is applied in one step. While this reduces the number of process steps and equipment needed, the patent acknowledges that precise control over individual properties may be slightly reduced. However, for airbag threads where exact uniformity is not critical, this trade-off is acceptable and results in a much simpler, more economical process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 approach significantly reduces production time and costs, ensuring the thread is ready for sale quickly and maintaining quality by allowing the color to even out during the sewing process, which is sufficient for airbag threads where uniformity is not critical.

Implementation Method 1

The mixture is applied to the thread by means of a dosing system, in particular by means of a sponge applicator

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Implementation Method 2

a sponge applicator, with the thread running through an application area in the dosing system

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Implementation Method 3

a mixture of preparation and dye is applied directly to the thread using a dosing system or godet bath

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentEP2165016B2Method for producing dyed sewing threads
Publication Date: 2017.12.27 GUETERMANN & CO AG
  • EP2165016B2 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2165016B2 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for producing dyed sewing threads, especially airbag threads. According to said method, a preparation improving the thread properties and a dye are applied to the thread, the preparation and the dye being mixed and being applied jointly to the thread as a mixture. The invention also relates e.g. to a sewing thread produced according to said method.