Vulcanized Closure Part with Barrier Layer for Hook-and-Loop
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing closure part solutions for vulcanization processes are unsuitable due to high pressures and temperatures, causing detachment of hook-and-loop elements, and existing adhesive solutions are not effective for large-area vulcanization products.
Innovation Solution
A closure part with a rear side integrally bonded to rubber, a function side with individual hook-and-loop elements, and a barrier layer to prevent liquid rubber from reaching the function side, using velour made of polyamide with a polyethylene terephthalate film as a barrier layer and reactive polyurethane adhesive for secure bonding and maintaining hookability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cover film is used to protect hook elements during foaming, then hook elements are securely held during foaming, but the solution becomes unsuitable for vulcanization processes due to high pressures and temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the cover film component from the closure part design, extracting the protective function that was previously provided by the film. Instead, the hook elements are directly integrated into the closure part structure, eliminating the need for separate protective coverage while maintaining functionality through the inherent structure of the hook elements themselves.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure part is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the hook elements for closure functionality, acts as its own protective structure during vulcanization, and maintains its hookability after the vulcanization process. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate protective components while adapting to the harsh vulcanization environment.
2Strength
If adhesive solutions are used to attach closure parts to rubber materials, then bonding is achieved, but the adhesive becomes ineffective under high pressures and temperatures during vulcanization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a temporary protective layer that is intentionally designed to be removed or degraded during the vulcanization process. This layer serves its protective function during the critical bonding phase and is then discarded or transformed, allowing the adhesive to function effectively without being compromised by the high pressures and temperatures of vulcanization.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure part is constructed as a composite structure combining the closure functionality (hook elements) with a protective layer and adhesive bonding components. This composite design allows each component to perform its specific function: the hook elements provide closure, the protective layer shields during vulcanization, and the adhesive bonds the assembly to the rubber material, with the entire structure optimized to withstand vulcanization conditions.
3Ease of operation
If hook-and-loop elements are glued on to floor mats, then releasable attachment is achieved, but the elements may become detached in rough operation leading to unusable fastening
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the hook elements directly into the closure part structure rather than gluing them separately onto the rubber material. This integration ensures that the hook elements remain permanently attached to the closure part while maintaining their releasable functionality for engagement with corresponding loop elements, eliminating the risk of detachment in rough operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure part is pre-formed with the hook elements already integrated into its structure before the vulcanization process. This preliminary integration ensures that the hook elements are securely positioned and will not become detached during subsequent operation, while still allowing for releasable attachment when engaged with complementary loop elements.
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 ensures a secure, reusable hook-and-loop closure in vulcanized products, maintaining functionality and anchoring capabilities even under high pressures and temperatures, suitable for large-area production like rubber mats for vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
a barrier layer (20) between the rear side (10) and the function side (14) which prevents liquid rubber material and/or flowable vulcanization products from entering the function side (14) from the rear side (10) during vulcanization
Implementation Method 2
reactive polyurethane adhesive for secure bonding and maintaining hookability
Data Source
AI summary
A closure part, for vulcanization into products which are produced at least in part by vulcanization, includes at least a rear side, a function side and a barrier layer. The rear side is integrally bonded to a rubber material. The function side has individual hook-and-loop elements that are kept free of the rubber material and produce a releasable hook-and-loop closure when engaged with corresponding hook-and-loop elements. The barrier layer is between the rear and the function side. The barrier layer prevents liquid rubber material and/or flowable vulcanization products from entering the function side from the rear side during vulcanization.