Loop Fastener Research Articles

Evaluation of Novel Embroidered Textile-Electrodes Made from Hybrid Polyamide Conductive Threads for Surface EMG Sensing.

Recently, there has been an increase in the number of reports on textile-based dry electrodes that can detect biopotentials without the need for electrolytic gels. However, these textile electrodes have a higher electrode skin interface impedance due to the improper contact between the skin and the electrode, diminishing the reliability and repeatability of the sensor. To facilitate improved skin-electrode contact, the effects of load and holding contact pressure were monitored for an embroidered textile electrode composed of multifilament hybrid thread for its application as a surface electromyography (sEMG) sensor. The effect of the textile's inter-electrode distance and double layering of embroidery that increases the density of the conductive threads were studied. Electrodes embroidered onto an elastic strap were wrapped around the forearm with a hook and loop fastener and tested for their performance. Time domain features such as the Root Mean Square (RMS), Average Rectified Value (ARV), and Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR) were quantitatively monitored in relation to the contact pressure and load. Experiments were performed in triplicates, and the sEMG signal characteristics were observed for various loads (0, 2, 4, and 6 kg) and holding contact pressures (5, 10, and 20 mmHg). sEMG signals recorded with textile electrodes were comparable in amplitude to those recorded using typical Ag/AgCl electrodes (28.45 dB recorded), while the signal-to-noise ratios were, 11.77, 19.60, 19.91, and 20.93 dB for the different loads, and 21.33, 23.34, and 17.45 dB for different holding pressures. The signal quality increased as the elastic strap was tightened further, but a pressure higher than 20 mmHg is not recommended because of the discomfort experienced by the subjects during data collection.

Piezoelectric Textile Facade for the energy supply of active sensor technology with regard to data management for circular economy in building construction

The high GWP potential of construction requires a holistic approach such as circular economy. Currently, common joining, construction and planning practices result in heterogeneous assemblies of different components that are difficult to deconstruct. Furthermore, there is currently little information and data on building components used and the climatic impacts on them. In this context and with the intention of recording long-term (circular) processes in construction, the Piezo-Klett basic research project (FFG no. 879459) funded by the Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG) deals with the energy supply of active sensor technology in construction by combining the hook and loop fastener with piezoelectric components. The aim is to open new perspectives on sustainable energy production systems by transforming buildings into energy carriers and generators, analogous to a “battery”. To this purpose, the result presented in this conference paper is a description of the constructive structure (climatic impacts, construction, piezo technology) of a “Piezoelectric Textile Facade” as well as test results on piezo tapes. This opens new possibilities in the context of the application of hook-and-loop fasteners, the energy supply of active sensor technologies as well as in the field of data acquisition and data management.

A two-scale strategy for the modeling of hook and loop fasteners

Hook-and-loop-like joints have been widely used in many engineering applications and even observed in nature. The demand for computational models to predict the behavior of fasteners is increasing as they will be key for reducing design process time and manufacturing costs. Here, we develop a bottom-up two-scale modeling strategy, which enables us to capture the mechanical performance of a hook-and-loop fastener at both micro- and macroscales. In particular, we employ a two-scale homogenization approach capable of predicting the mechanical behavior of the hook-and-loop fastener. The model starts with a micromechanical model of a hook-and-loop fastener which considers the detailed geometry of the individual building blocks of the hook-and-loop fastener and their statistical geometrical variability through a so-called Representative Hook and Loop Element (RHLE) computational domain. The second scale considers the homogenization of the micromechanical model into a Detachment Process Zone (DPZ) which reveals an emerging length scale. The resulting effective traction-separation law concept is then employed at the macroscale with a Double Cantilever Beam (DCB) test using a macroscale model, which is then validated with experiments. The results suggest that the two-scale model strategy is able to predict the mechanical behavior of hook-and-loop fastener and to capture the main deformation and dissipative mechanisms at the relevant length scales.

Experimental CanSat Platform for Functional Verification of Burn Wire Triggering-Based Holding and Release Mechanisms

In this study, we present the Diverse Holding and Release Mechanism Can Satellite (DHRM CanSat) platform developed by the Space Technology Synthesis Laboratory (STSL) at Chosun University, South Korea. This platform focuses on several types of holding and release mechanisms (HRMs) for application in deployable appendages of nanosatellites. The objectives of the DHRM CanSat mission are to demonstrate the design effectiveness and functionality of the three newly proposed HRMs based on the burn wire triggering method, i.e., the pogo pin-type HRM, separation nut-type HRM, and Velcro tape-type HRM, which were implemented on deployable dummy solar panels of the CanSat. The proposed mechanisms have many advantages, including a high holding capability, simultaneous constraints in multi-plane directions, and simplicity of handling. Additionally, each mechanism has distinctive features, such as spring-loaded pins to initiate deployment, a plate with a thread as a nut for a high holding capability, and a hook and loop fastener for easy access to subsystems of the satellite without releasing the holding constraint. The design effectiveness and functional performance of the proposed mechanisms were demonstrated through an actual flight test of the DHRM CanSat launched by a model rocket.

Using old meshy cage cover to make a rat fixating device for acupuncture study

Binding-fixation is the most commonly used method for acupuncture research in rats, but its resulted stronger stress response may affect the experimental outcomes. Hence, we developed a practical fixing device using the abandoned meshy cage covers, bolts, hooks, and loop fasteners. It includes two straps, two ropes, a small jacket with a self-locking Velcro strap and a meshy cage cover with a piece of fixed Velcro which may be placed on a rectangular storage box. Rats can be fixed in a recumbent position or a prone position. Outcomes showed that it is not only convenient and cheaper but also has a higher successful rate of fixation and a longer fixation time for completing an experiment.

Disinfection of Blood Pressure Cuffs and Electrocardiographic Telemetry Leads With 0.5% Hydrogen Peroxide Wipes.

Disinfection of frequently touched surfaces in the hospital is critical for providing safe care. Because of their complex intricate surfaces, blood pressure cuffs and electrocardiographic telemetry leads may be harder than other equipment to disinfect. To determine the effectiveness of 0.5% hydrogen peroxide wipes in cleaning and disinfecting inpatient hospital surfaces, including hook and loop (Velcro) fasteners of blood pressure cuffs and electrocardiographic telemetry leads. A prospective study of an inpatient telemetry unit was designed to measure the persistence of a UV indicator and the presence of bacterial colonization on electrocardiographic telemetry leads and blood pressure cuffs. Call buttons and patient trays were used as control surfaces, because they are often touched but are easy to disinfect via standard practices. A total of 392 samples were collected between July 11 and August 3, 2016, and cultured for microorganisms. Among the cultures, 247 (63%) had at least 1 colony-forming unit. After adjustments in a multivariable analysis, odds of a contaminated surface (≥ 10 colony-forming units) after final cleaning with 0.5% hydrogen peroxide wipes were 3.70 times greater for patient trays than for blood pressure cuffs (P = .03) and 3.80 times greater for telemetry leads than for blood pressure cuffs (P = .04). The UV indicator persisted longer on blood pressure cuffs and telemetry leads than on patient trays or call buttons (P < .001). Wipes with 0.5% hydrogen peroxide adequately disinfect blood pressure cuffs but not telemetry leads.

動植物から学ぶ面ファスナー

動植物から学ぶ面ファスナー

Effect of Uniform Design on the Speed of Combat Tourniquet Application: A Simulation Study.

Tourniquets are issued to deployed members of both the United States (U.S. military and the Australian Defence Force (ADF). The ease of removing the tourniquet from the pocket of the combat uniform may influence its time to application. The ADF uniform uses buttons to secure the pocket, whereas the U.S. uniform uses a hook and loop fastener system. National differences in training may influence the time to and effectiveness of tourniquet application. To compare the time taken to retrieve and apply a tourniquet from the pocket of the Australian and the U.S. combat uniform and compare the effectiveness of tourniquet application. Twenty participants from both nations were randomly selected. Participants were timed on their ability to remove a tourniquet from their pockets and then apply it effectively. The U.S. personnel removed their tourniquets in shorter time (median 2.5 seconds) than Australians (median 5.72 seconds, p < 0.0001). ADF members (mean 41.36 seconds vs. 58.87 seconds, p < 0.037) applied the tourniquet more rapidly once removed from the pocket and trended to apply it more effectively (p = 0.1). The closure system of pockets on the combat uniform might influence the time taken to apply a tourniquet. Regular training might also reduce the time taken to apply a tourniquet effectively.

A review of the evidence for adjustable compression wrap devices.

Compression therapy is a key component in the effective management of people with lower limb problems associated with venous, lymphatic and fat disorders such as lipoedema. Individuals with lymphoedema, venous ulceration and lipoedema often require long-term compression therapy to prevent and manage problems such as chronic ulceration and skin changes, persistent swelling and shape distortion. Challenges remain in achieving acceptable, safe, effective and cost-efficient compression therapy choices. Adjustable compression wrap devices using hook and loop fasteners, commonly called VELCRO brand fasteners, present new opportunities for improving treatment outcomes, supporting patient independence and self-management in the use of compression therapy. This paper reports the findings of an evidence review of adjustable compression wrap devices in people with lymphoedema, chronic oedema, venous ulceration and lipoedema. The authors have no conflict of interest to declare.

Care of pediatric tracheostomy in the immediate postoperative period and timing of first tube change

ObjectiveTo analyze the safety of a standardized pediatric tracheostomy care protocol in the immediate postoperative period and its impact on tracheostomy related complications. Study designRetrospective case series. SubjectsPediatric patients undergoing tracheotomy from February 2010–February 2014. MethodsIn 2012, a standardized protocol was established regarding postoperative pediatric tracheostomy care. This protocol included securing newly placed tracheostomy tubes using a foam strap with hook and loop fastener rather than twill ties, placing a fresh drain sponge around the tracheostomy tube daily, and performing the first tracheostomy tube change on postoperative day 3 or 4. Outcome measures included rate of skin breakdown and presence of a mature stoma allowing for a safe first tracheostomy tube change. Two types of tracheotomy were performed based on patient age: standard pediatric tracheotomy and adult-style tracheotomy with a Bjork flap. Patients were analyzed separately based on age and the type of tracheotomy performed. ResultsThirty-seven patients in the pre-protocol group and 35 in the post-protocol group were analyzed. The rate of skin breakdown was significantly lower in the post-protocol group (standard: p=0.0048; Bjork flap: p=0.0003). In the post-protocol group, all tube changes were safely accomplished on postoperative day three or four, and the stomas were deemed to be adequately matured to do so in all cases. ConclusionA standardized postoperative pediatric tracheostomy care protocol resulted in decreased rates of skin breakdown and demonstrated that pediatric tracheostomy tubes can be safely changed as early as 3 days postoperatively.

Turning nature's inspiration into a production line.

Nature has long been a rich inspiration for artists and poets and an endless source of wonder for biologists to understand its workings. For millennia, humans have also relied on natural products in medicine, buildings or clothing and nature has inspired numerous technological inventions, architecture and design. But it is only recently that human efforts to exploit the design and functions of natural systems have become a systematic field of research in its own right. To date, the examples of technologies and materials that were inspired by nature have been limited to isolated and often almost chance discoveries, initially confined to the world of materials. The best known and first major commercial success was the Velcro hook and loop fastener, conceived in 1941 by Swiss engineer George de Mestral, who was inspired by the way burrs or seeds of the burdock plant kept sticking to his clothes. He examined them under a microscope and noted that hundreds of miniature hooks caught on anything with a loop, such as clothing, animal fur, or hair. The case of Velcro was fairly unique as it was inspired by simple observation with the naked eye in combination with a low‐powered microscope. Since then a number of other important technologies or materials were developed based on natural systems, but these involved more detailed probing at smaller scales down to the molecular level. Another well‐known example of such biomimicry is the ability of molecular structures on the surface of plant leaves to repel water that has been copied to varying degrees in artificial materials or technologies. Yet, the field has been expanding beyond materials to embrace medicine, renewable energy production and chemical engineering, stimulated in recent years by the growing movement toward sustainability and reuse, which, the proponents of biomimicry hope, will be easier to attain …

An Innovative Method to secure Orthodontic Study Models

Management of orthodontic records is of utmost importance to the clinician. The process of digitization has proved to be of great help in this regard.1 Plaster study models are still the most commonly available records, providing a three-dimensional view of the malocclusion. Study models are stored in model boxes and are retrieved periodically during and after the course of treatment. Due to their physical nature and frequent handling, they are prone to breakages. The introduction of plastic bases has greatly reduced the incidence of damage to the artistic part of the study model. However, breakages to the anatomic part of the study model are still a concern. A simple and economical method of securing the models with Velcro (hook and loop fastener) tape has been devised to minimize these episodes of damage during storage and transportation.2

2109 バイオミミクリーによる構造発想支援 : 発想支援手法の構築ステップの提案と検証(D&amp;Sコンテスト口頭発表)

The recent products are sometimes designed by inspiration of nature. As an example, there are the loop fastener and the honeycomb structure. In this study, we tried that we developed new design methods from wisdom of the natural world. Particularly, we see if one can't apply them to weight reduction and high rigidity. As the method for construction, we discover some strategies of the weight reduction by observing the animals and plants. We classify and arrange them in analogy. The analogies may be applicable to a design. The design principles are derived by the analogies. We develop design methods from the design principles. As a result, some design principles were derived by the method that we proposed and was able to try that we made one design method. The proposed method was able to derive some design principles. It makes sure of a possible thing to indicate some artifices of weight reduction of the natural world for a design.

Correlation between the adhesive tensile strength and the engagement grade of crosswise oriented nonwovens of metal hook and loop fasteners

Joining is one of the key technologies for industrial products. Nearly all goods need to be joined during their production development process. An innovative joining method such as a metal hook and loop fastener offers new possibilities for the design and functionality of a product. In contrast to a synthetic hook and loop fastener, a metal fastener combines the advantage of a fast assembling or disassembling with the characteristics of a metal joining. The outstanding benefits of the metal hook and loop fastener are temperature and acid resistance. Additionally, features such as shock or sound absorbance can be realized. In this paper, we present the development and characterization of a metal hook and loop fastener. The cohesion of the joining is analyzed by cross tension tests as well as by shearing tests. To draw conclusions from the design of the joining partners, the joining patches are analyzed by neutron μ-CT and compared with force measurements.

METAKLETT – A Metal Cocklebur

The increasing individualization of products assigns manufacturing companies to new tasks like manufacturing various products in a more efficient way. This progression in the market leads on the one hand to a new product design and on the other hand to an improved production process. Both are necessary to reduce assembly, service and recycling costs. Hence the joining technology is and will become more and more important. The conventional joining technologies like welding, bonding, bolting or clamping have their own disadvantages especially in the field of flexibility. In order to reduce the effort for assembling and disassembling by retaining the requirements of the connection a new innovative joining technology is needed. In this study a new joining technology is introduced to become faster and more flexible in assembling and disassembling. The basic idea of this manufacturing technology comes from a “metal hook and loop fastener”. A hook and loop fastener consisting of metal has a lot of advantages for the fields of industrial assembly, service and recycling. Similar to the synthetic hook and loop fastener a metal one is characterized by easy closing and opening without special tools. And in comparison to the synthetic hook and loop fastener the transmissible forces are very high. An additional benefit can be gained for instance in shock absorbing or resistance against chemical and thermal influence. Two solutions are followed up to invent the “metal hook and loop fastener”. A one-to-one copy of the conventional hook and loop fastener is constructed in metal and specific solutions for the use of metal are tested. A conventional finite element program was used in order to optimize the construction of a metal cocklebur and the results show a good agreement with the experiment.

Vest with piezoelectric transducer for practicing music

A musical garment has a plurality of interior pockets disposed on two interior portions of the garment for generating extemporaneous music by hand-impact with a selective pocket portion. Each interior pocket is secured via hook and loop fasteners and includes a sound generating piezoelectric transducer electrically connected thereto for producing multiple signals to a sound generating module. The piezoelectric transducers are sensitized or calibrated to produce a sound having a different sound characteristic compared with other piezoelectric transducers. The sound generating module is removably housed within an interior auxiliary pocket of the garment and utilizes a multiplexer to provide serial output or music for subsequent recording or listening. An acoustic screen is disposed on an exterior surface portion of the garment pocket for acoustically transmitting sound generated from the module. A set of auxiliary piezoelectric transducers are also used for attachment to a user's feet for foot generated sound.

Towards self-disassembling vehicles

Active Disassembly Using Smart Materials (ADSM) is a concept that has been under development for several years. It is a system allowing host assemblies to readily separate for recycling, when they are exposed to certain triggering conditions. Active Disassembly technology has been used to disassemble vehicle parts to aid compliance with the End of Life vehicle (ELV) directive. Various active devices have been prototyped. These include: Active glass removal solutions, steering wheel and airbag removal, the development of ‘Shape Memory Hook and Loop Fasteners’ (SM_ HALF), and Electrical disassembly solutions. The electrical solutions pose greatest possibility for further investigation, as disassembly is achieved with no external energy input. Residual energy from ‘dead’ batteries can be used to power shape-memory ‘muscle wires’ at End of Life (EoL). These solutions are being brought together with contributions from other research establishments on a vehicle called the ‘EcoCar’.

29 Pin the part on the dinoflagellate: a hands on learning activity

Marine science education often uses animals with high student appeal, such as manatees, sea turtles, whales and dolphins, to introduce science concepts. The challenge in teaching microalgae concepts is to make the activity as equally appealing and engaging to students. The activity created used an enlarged diagram of a marine dinoflagellate, Karenia brevis, to introduce anatomy and function concepts. The activity was simple in design requiring only a large color diagram of the organism, laminated for durability and hook and loop fastener for placement of parts in the appropriate area. Because of its simplicity in design, the activity is inexpensive can be easily reproduced. Key words were also created and laminated to reinforce vocabulary. This activity was found to reach a wide age range from elementary school students to high school. The facilitator could adjust the prompts to assist the students in the proper labeling based on age. At the elementary level, basic anatomy such as nucleus and flagella could be introduced. At the middle school level, labeling of the chloroplasts could lead the discussion to photosynthesis and the food web, and at the high school level the discussion could be focused toward primary productivity and harmful algal blooms. The concepts taught in this activity easily address many key points in the National Science Education standards such as structure and function of living systems and diversity and adaptation of organisms. This activity could easily be adapted to numerous algal organisms in both the marine and freshwater environments.

A review of the conservation treatment of a Romano‐Egyptian cuirass and helmet made from crocodile skin

Abstract The paper describes the historical context of a Romano‐Egyptian 3rd‐4th century ad crocodile‐skin cuirass and helmet, and their conservation and display undertaken in the late 1980s. Research into their materials construction and deterioration is documented. Options for conservation treatment are explored, and conservation goals defined as consolidation, reshaping, reconstruction and mounting for the purposes of permanent exhibition. Discussions with the curator on the final choice of treatment and the requirements of display are recorded. The role of an adjustable dummy, to aid the process of re‐aligning the separate pieces, is described. The use of ‘permanent’ and ‘reversible’ Velcro hook and loop fastener) joins, made to hold the cuirass fragments In place, is also considered; the ‘permanent’ joins secure the smaller fragments, arid ‘reversible’ joins allow the sections of stiff cuirass to be taken apart along old break lines and dismounted from display. The approach and treatment is re‐evalua...

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A simple new trap (Phyto trap) was invented to increase the trapping efficiency of phytoseiid mites in a pear field. The trap was made of woolen yarn, hook and loop fasteners vinyl tape. It successfully trapped many live phytoseiid mites alive when used on Japanese pear trees. Trapping efficiency was also evaluated by comparison with conventional observations of leaves, confirming the trap usefulness. Ten known species and one newly recorded species of phytoseiid mites belonging to two genera were trapped on the pear trees. The seasonal dynamics of each species were clarified. Amblyseius tsugawai was most abundant throughout the seasons. Both A. eharai and A. paraki were also abundant, but showed some seasonal fluctuations. Amblyseius eharai became abundant following an increase in the Panonychus citri population, but A. paraki abundance seemed to have no relation to the populations of prey mites.