Textile Edge Binding Using Segmented Tape and Heat Sealing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for edge binding in textile production are limited by the need for continuous edge binding and rounded corners, which reduce production rate and increase equipment complexity.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus and method for edge binding that attach individual strips of binding tape to the edges of textile products, overlapping at corners, allowing for linear motion processing and heat sealing to close open ends, thereby simplifying the production process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If continuous edge binding with rounded corners is applied, then quality and durability are improved, but production rate decreases and equipment complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveedge binding qualityVSAvoidproduction rate
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The continuous binding tape is divided into separate segments that are applied to individual edges of the textile product. Each segment is applied independently using a linear motion path, eliminating the need for rounded corners and continuous motion around the entire perimeter. This segmentation allows for simpler, faster application while maintaining binding quality at each edge.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of forming rounded corners to enable continuous binding tape application, the invention inverts the approach by applying straight-edged binding segments to straight edges with linear motion. The corner regions are handled separately by overlapping or adjacent placement of segments, eliminating the need for complex curved path motion and rounded corner formation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Reliability

If continuous edge binding with rounded corners is applied, then quality and durability are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveedge binding qualityVSAvoidequipment complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The binding application device is segmented into multiple independent units, each responsible for applying binding tape to a specific edge. Each unit operates with simple linear motion along its designated edge, eliminating the need for a single complex device that must navigate rounded corners and continuous paths around the entire product perimeter.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device transitions from a static, complex rounded-corner-navigation system to a dynamic array of simple linear-motion units. Each binding application unit can be independently positioned and operated along straight edges, providing flexibility and simplicity while maintaining the ability to handle various product sizes and shapes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Manufacturing precision

If automated production with rotation is implemented, then consistency of quality is improved, but production rate decreases and equipment complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvequality consistencyVSAvoidproduction rate
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of rotating the textile product to access all edges with a stationary binding device, the invention inverts the approach by moving multiple binding application units along linear paths to reach each edge. This eliminates the need for product rotation, allowing for faster, continuous linear motion application while maintaining consistent quality through automated positioning of each segment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

4Manufacturing precision

If high-accuracy positioning is required for corner finishing, then quality of finish is improved, but equipment complexity increases and production rate decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecorner finish qualityVSAvoidproduction rate
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The corner finishing operation is segmented and integrated into the edge binding process. Each corner region is handled by the adjacent edge binding segments that overlap or meet at the corner, eliminating the need for a separate, high-precision corner finishing device. The binding segments themselves provide the finishing function through their placement and attachment at the corner regions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 increases production rate, reduces equipment complexity, and ensures a high-quality finish with aesthetically appealing edges.

Implementation Method 1

The corner finishing device is operable to apply a heat seal to the end portion at the corner and cut the end portion at the heat seal to close the binding tape at the corner

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat sealing: Heating

Data Source

PatentEP4051489B1Method and apparatus for edge binding of textile products
Publication Date: 2025.05.28 ACG KINNA AUTOMATIC AB
  • EP4051489B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3A
  • EP4051489B1 patent drawingFigure 3B~3E
  • EP4051489B1 patent drawingFigure 3F~4

AI summary

A control device in an apparatus for edge binding a textile work product is operatively connected to a corner finishing device (40). The textile work product has a perimeter comprising first and second edges that meet at a corner (2c) at approximately right angles. A binding tape (3) is folded around and attached to the second edge so that an end portion (5) of the binding tape projects beyond the corner in a direction of the second edge. The control device implements a control method comprising: arranging the textile work product with the end portion (5) extending through a heat sealing unit, HSU, (42) of the corner finishing device (40); operating the HSU (42) to form a slot with the end portion (5) extending through the slot, a height of said slot being smaller than a thickness of the binding tape on the second edge; pulling the end portion (5) through the slot to drive the corner (2c) towards the slot; and operating the HSU (42) to apply a heat seal to the end portion (5) at the corner (2c) and cut the end portion (5) at the heat seal to close the binding tape (3) at the corner (2c).