Plant-Derived Surface Fastener Resin for Precise Hook Molding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surface fasteners made from mixed plant-derived and fossil-resource-derived resins face challenges in achieving proper shape formation due to differences in physical properties, leading to engaging elements that cannot be molded correctly.
Innovation Solution
A surface fastener is manufactured using a thermoplastic resin comprising a mixture of plant-derived polyethylene and fossil-resource-derived polypropylene, with specific melt flow rates and flexural moduli, and a manufacturing process involving primary and secondary molding steps to form engaging elements with defined shapes and protrusions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If plant-derived resin or biodegradable resin is mixed with fossil-resource-derived resin, then environmental sustainability is improved, but the physical property differences prevent proper shaping of engaging elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by carefully controlling the melt flow rate (5-30 g/10 min) and flexural modulus (800-2300 MPa) of the plant-derived resin to match the processing requirements of fossil-resource-derived resins. This allows the thermoplastic resin composition to be properly molded into engaging elements while maintaining environmental sustainability through the use of plant-derived components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes composite materials by creating a thermoplastic resin composition that combines plant-derived resin with fossil-resource-derived resin. The composite achieves optimal balance between environmental sustainability and manufacturability by selecting specific resin types and ratios that ensure proper shaping of engaging elements while reducing environmental impact.
2Ease of manufacture
If simple mixing of different resin types is used, then manufacturing complexity is reduced, but the engaging elements cannot be molded into proper shape
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than complex multi-step processing, the patent achieves proper shaping by controlling key parameters of the resin composition itself - specifically the melt flow rate and flexural modulus of the plant-derived resin. This allows simple mixing to produce properly shaped engaging elements through parameter optimization rather than process complexity.
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 solution enables the production of a surface fastener with engaging elements that can securely engage with loop members, offering high peel strength and stability while utilizing renewable materials.
Implementation Method 1
a thermoplastic resin that at least partially includes a plant-derived resin
Implementation Method 2
the plant-derived resin has a melt flow rate of 5 g/10 min or more and 30 g/10 min or less
Data Source
AI summary
A surface fastener includes a base portion and a plurality of engaging elements, the base portion and the engaging elements include a thermoplastic resin at least partially including a plant-derived resin, the plant-derived resin has an MFR of 5 g/10 min or more and 30 g/10 min or less, and has a flexural modulus of 800 MPa or more and 2300 MPa or less, and, in plan view of each of the engaging elements, the engaging head portion is such that at least a part of the engaging head portion has a shape protruding outward with respect to an upper end of the stem portion. Therefore, the surface fastener can include a plurality of engaging elements. In addition, compared to the related art, it is possible to reduce the use of fossil-resource-derived resin to thereby reduce the load on the environment.