Systems and methods for end-to-end article management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional fabric manufacturing processes are inefficient in adapting to changing consumer trends and real-time manufacturing parameters, leading to discrepancies and inefficiencies in producing articles within intended design tolerances.

Innovation Solution

An end-to-end process that integrates consumer data, dynamic pricing, and real-time manufacturing adjustments, utilizing techniques like foam pretreatment, plasma pre-cleaning/activation, and digital colorization to minimize errors and optimize material usage, while enabling personalized and customized production.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional fabric manufacturing processes are used, then production can proceed with conventional methods, but the process takes a long time and cannot adapt quickly to changing consumer trends

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to changing consumer trendsVSAvoidmanufacturing lead time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic manufacturing processes where production parameters, pricing, and delivery schedules can be adjusted in real-time based on consumer demand and market conditions. The system transitions from static, forecast-driven production to dynamic, demand-responsive manufacturing that can quickly adapt to changing trends without extending lead times.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates continuous feedback loops that monitor consumer trends, manufacturing parameters, and market conditions. This feedback enables real-time adjustments to production processes, allowing the manufacturing system to adapt quickly to changing demands while maintaining efficient timelines through data-driven decision making.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Manufacturing precision

If conventional discrete manufacturing steps are used, then each process step can be managed independently, but transitions between steps introduce error and discrepancies from intended design

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecolor tolerance of finished articleVSAvoidintegration of manufacturing processes
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges previously discrete manufacturing steps into an integrated end-to-end process where design, manufacturing, and delivery are connected through a unified system. This integration eliminates transitions between separate processes, preventing error accumulation and ensuring the finished article maintains color tolerance within specified tolerances throughout the manufacturing journey.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates a universal manufacturing platform that handles multiple functions (design, production, quality control, delivery) within a single integrated framework. This multi-functional approach ensures consistent application of manufacturing parameters across all process steps, maintaining design integrity and color accuracy throughout the entire production cycle.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If forecast-driven supply chains are used, then production can be planned in advance, but the system is locked into long lead times and cannot respond to real-time manufacturing parameters

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing efficiencyVSAvoidresponse to real-time manufacturing parameters
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the static forecast-driven supply chain into a dynamic system that responds to real-time manufacturing parameters and market conditions. The system maintains high productivity through efficient process integration while gaining the flexibility to adjust production based on current demand and resource availability, eliminating the need for long-term forecasts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 allows for precise, efficient, and personalized production of articles, reducing waste, energy, and chemical consumption while achieving deeper and richer colors, and ensuring products meet design tolerances.

Implementation Method 1

plasma pre-cleaning/activation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPlasma: Plasma

Implementation Method 2

foam pretreatment

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFoam: Foam

Data Source

PatentUS11409267B2Systems and methods for end-to-end article management
Publication Date: 2022.08.09 NORTH FACE APPAREL CORP
  • US11409267B2 patent drawing
  • US11409267B2 patent drawing
  • US11409267B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Systems and methods are described for managing articles. The systems and methods described herein may comprise an example method for manufacturing an article. The systems and methods provides an end-to-end manufacturing value chain as a closed system and feedback loop.