Single-Side Elastomer Application for Dual-Side Fabric Coating

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for applying elastomer to fabric layers in clothing are inefficient and require multiple steps, often resulting in uneven application and increased processing time.

Innovation Solution

A method where a fabric layer is placed on a flexible base, and elastomer is applied in a flowable state from one side with controlled pressure, allowing it to penetrate and evenly distribute across both sides, potentially using a screen printing process with a friction-reduced layer to facilitate spread.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If elastomer is applied to both sides of a fabric layer using conventional methods, then complete coating is achieved, but the process requires multiple steps and increases processing time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomplete coating coverageVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The fabric layer is placed on a flexible base that divides the coating process into zones: the elastomer applied from above penetrates through the fabric and distributes to both sides, with the flexible base supporting and facilitating spreading to the opposite side, effectively segmenting the coating action into a single penetrating application

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The elastomer is applied from a single direction (one side) but achieves coverage on both sides of the fabric layer by penetrating through the material thickness dimension, transforming a typically two-sided application problem into a one-sided solution through the third dimension of material penetration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Manufacturing precision

If elastomer is applied with high pressure to ensure penetration, then complete coverage is achieved, but the flexible base is过度 compressed and process control becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelastomer penetrationVSAvoidprocess control
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The pressure parameter is optimized to a specific range that achieves sufficient elastomer penetration through the fabric layer while maintaining manageable compression of the flexible base, transforming the extreme high-pressure approach into a controlled parameter regime that balances penetration effectiveness with process controllability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 simplifies the elastomer application process, ensuring even distribution across both fabric sides in a single step, enhancing efficiency and ensuring a firm connection with flocking material for improved wearability and moisture absorption.

Implementation Method 1

the flexible base on which the fabric layer rests is compressed by at least 1% and a maximum of 50% during the application of the elastomer. Due to the flexibility of the base on which the fabric layer rests, the elastomer applied from above with pressure completely penetrates the fabric layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4291704B1Method for applying elastomer onto both sides of a material layer
Publication Date: 2024.08.28 NTT NEW TEXTILE TECH
  • EP4291704B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for applying elastomer onto both sides of a material layer. The material layer is placed on a flexible underlying surface, and the elastomer is applied onto the material layer under pressure in a flowable state, wherein the elastomer is solely applied onto the material layer from one side, and the flexible underlying surface is pressed together under the pressure of the elastomer while the elastomer is being applied.