Textile Graphic With Simulated Stitching and Heat Adhesion

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for applying graphics to textiles, such as stitching, are costly and time-consuming, while alternative methods like heat-activated adhesives lack the desired 'stitched' appearance.

Innovation Solution

A graphic with a simulated stitching pattern is created using a cutting device, such as a laser, to produce projections and etched lines that mimic stitching, which is then applied using a heat-activated adhesive to achieve a 'stitched' appearance without actual stitching.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If stitching is used to apply graphics to textiles, then a 'stitched' appearance is achieved, but application time and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestitched appearanceVSAvoidapplication time

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a visual copy of stitching effects through printed patterns, projections, and etched lines that simulate the appearance of actual stitching without performing the stitching process. This allows the graphic to resemble stitched work while being applied through faster methods like heat transfer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical stitching process with a thermal adhesive process. Instead of using needles and thread to physically stitch the graphic, a heat-activated adhesive is used to bond the graphic to the textile, substituting a mechanical operation with a thermal one that is faster and more cost-effective.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Shape

If stitching is used to apply graphics to textiles, then a 'stitched' appearance is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestitched appearanceVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a visual copy of stitching effects through printed patterns, projections, and etched lines that simulate the appearance of actual stitching without performing the stitching process. This allows the graphic to resemble stitched work while being applied through faster methods like heat transfer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical stitching process with a thermal adhesive process. Instead of using needles and thread to physically stitch the graphic, a heat-activated adhesive is used to bond the graphic to the textile, substituting a mechanical operation with a thermal one that is faster and more cost-effective.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If heat-activated adhesive is used to apply graphics to textiles, then application time and cost are reduced, but a 'stitched' appearance is not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplication timeVSAvoidstitched appearance

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the graphic into multiple functional layers: a base graphic layer, projection elements that extend outward to simulate external stitching, and etched line patterns that simulate internal stitching. This segmentation allows each element to contribute to the overall stitched appearance while maintaining efficient heat transfer application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses color and shading variations in the printed graphic, projections, and etched lines to create the visual illusion of raised stitching threads and shadows, enhancing the perceived three-dimensional stitched effect without actual stitching.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color 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

The method provides a cost-effective and efficient way to achieve a 'stitched' appearance on textiles, reducing application time and costs while maintaining the desired visual effect.

Implementation Method 1

A cutting device, such as but not limited to a laser, is used to cut the graphic from a material. The cutting device is further used to create 'scallops' around the perimeter of the graphic... The cutting device is further used to 'etch' a pattern into the graphic itself

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser ablation: Laser Ablation

Implementation Method 2

The graphic is then applied to the textile using a method other than stitching, such as adhesion using a heat-activated adhesive on the backing of the graphic

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat-activated adhesion: Heating

Data Source

PatentUS8597759B2Graphic having simulated stitching

Publication Date: 2013.12.03 STAHLS INC

AI summary

A graphic for application to a textile is disclosed. The graphic includes a front surface configured to be viewable when the graphic is applied to the textile. The graphic further includes a back surface opposite the front surface and configured to contact the textile. The graphic further includes an attachment mechanism, other than stitching, that attaches the graphic to the textile. The graphic also includes a simulated stitching pattern “etched” onto the front surface of the graphic extending around a perimeter of the graphic and includes projections simulating stitch ends.