System, method and apparatus for producing a quilt block on a single die
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current die cutting machines are limited in producing larger patterns, requiring multiple dies and extensive organizational skills, making it difficult to create complete quilt patterns efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A die cut assembly for a roller die cutting machine featuring a rectangular base member with a cutting rule and a compressible top layer, where the cutting rule is skewed and formed into a pattern of geometric shapes, allowing for a single die to cut a complete quilt pattern.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple dies are used to create larger patterns, then the pattern size increases, but the device complexity and organizational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple cutting patterns into a single die assembly. The die includes a base member with multiple cutting rules attached at different angles and positions, allowing one die to produce multiple geometric shapes (triangles, squares, rectangles, parallelograms) that would traditionally require separate dies. This merging eliminates the need for multiple separate dies and reduces positioning complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes angular orientation as an additional dimension to increase pattern variety. By attaching cutting rules at different angles (e.g., 45 degrees, 90 degrees) to the base member, the single die can create multiple types of geometric shapes from a single cutting action, effectively using the angular dimension to multiply the functional output without adding more dies.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple dies are used for cutting, then larger patterns are achieved, but the time and steps required for tracking and positioning increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple cutting functions into a single die assembly, eliminating the sequential time required to switch between multiple dies. The base member integrates multiple cutting rules that can all be used in one cutting operation, reducing the process from multiple sequential steps to a single integrated operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The cutting rules are pre-positioned and fixed to the base member at specific angles and orientations before use. This preliminary arrangement of cutting elements eliminates the need for real-time tracking and positioning adjustments during the cutting process, as everything is pre-configured for optimal quilt block creation.
3Ease of operation
If traditional die cutting machines are used, then smaller patterns are produced, but the need for extensive organizational skills is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple cutting patterns into a single die assembly. The die includes a base member with multiple cutting rules attached at different angles and positions, allowing one die to produce multiple geometric shapes (triangles, squares, rectangles, parallelograms) that would traditionally require separate dies. This merging eliminates the need for multiple separate dies and reduces positioning complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The single die assembly is designed to perform multiple cutting functions simultaneously. By incorporating cutting rules at various angles and orientations, the die can create different geometric shapes required for quilt blocks in a single operation, making the tool universal for creating complete quilt patterns without requiring specialized dies for each shape type.
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 the creation of complete quilt patterns from a single die, reducing the need for multiple dies and organizational complexity, while ensuring accurate and efficient cutting of various materials like fabric and paper.
Implementation Method 1
These die cutting machines, which are often used in schools, businesses and homes, are currently available in the market place. Most of these smaller die cutting machines are roller-type machines which use rollers to provide the compression necessary to force the die to cut the sheet material into the geometric cut-out shapes.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a system, method and apparatus for producing a quilt block on a single die. According to a preferred embodiment, the die cut assembly of the present invention preferably includes a cutting rule formed into a pattern including a group of geometric cutting elements. According to a further preferred embodiment, the group of geometric cutting elements preferably includes a first set of cutting element including a first pentagon shape, a second pentagon shape, and a first quadrilateral shape which are connected by shared edges. According to a further preferred embodiment, the group of geometric cutting elements of the present invention preferably further includes a second set of cutting elements which includes a third pentagon shape, a fourth pentagon shape and a second quadrilateral shape, which are a mirrored copy of the first set of cutting elements.