Adjustable Protective Vest Zipper Arrangement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current protective vests with adjustable sizes are complex to manufacture and difficult to adjust, with hook-and-loop fasteners losing functionality over time and being prone to wear.
Innovation Solution
A garment with an inner and outer zipper, where the inner zipper is covered by the outer zipper in the closed state, allowing for easy size adjustment by opening or closing the zippers to achieve multiple sizes, with the option for additional zippers to provide intermediate sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If hook-and-loop fasteners are used for size adjustment, then the garment can be adjusted to different sizes, but the manufacturing becomes complex and the fasteners lose functionality over time
Solution Approach 1:
The size adjustment system is segmented into multiple independent zipper units (first zipper, second zipper, third zipper) that can be independently controlled. Each zipper provides a discrete size adjustment step, allowing the garment to transition between multiple predetermined sizes without requiring a single complex fastening system.
Solution Approach 2:
The zippers are arranged in a nested configuration where the second zipper is positioned within the first zipper, and the third zipper is positioned within the second zipper. This nested arrangement allows multiple adjustment mechanisms to coexist in a compact manner, reducing overall complexity while maintaining multiple size adjustment capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If hook-and-loop fasteners are used for size adjustment, then the garment can be adjusted to different sizes, but adjusting the fasteners becomes difficult or troublesome
Solution Approach 1:
The size adjustment system is divided into multiple independent zipper units that can be operated separately. Each zipper can be opened or closed independently to achieve different size adjustments, making the adjustment process simpler and more intuitive compared to a single complex hook-and-loop system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical hook-and-loop fastening system with zipper mechanisms. Zippers provide a more reliable and easier-to-operate mechanical system for size adjustment, eliminating the difficulties associated with aligning and securing hook-and-loop fasteners.
3Adaptability or versatility
If hook-and-loop fasteners are used for size adjustment, then the garment can be adjusted to different sizes, but the fasteners are prone to wear and lose functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The size adjustment functionality is distributed across multiple zipper units rather than relying on a single hook-and-loop system. This segmentation provides redundancy and reliability, as the failure of one zipper does not compromise the entire size adjustment capability of the garment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the wear-prone hook-and-loop fastening system with zipper mechanisms. Zippers offer superior durability and resistance to wear, maintaining their functionality over time without the degradation issues associated with hook-and-loop fasteners.
4Ease of operation
If multiple zippers are used for size adjustment, then the garment can be effortlessly adjusted to multiple sizes, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The multiple zippers are arranged in a nested configuration where smaller zippers are positioned within larger zipper structures. This nested arrangement consolidates multiple adjustment mechanisms into a compact integrated system, reducing the apparent complexity while maintaining ease of operation for each individual zipper.
Solution Approach 2:
The zipper units are designed with universal characteristics, using similar construction and operation principles across all zippers. This standardization reduces design complexity and allows for easier manufacturing and maintenance, despite having multiple zippers in the system.
Data Source
AI summary
An article of clothing, in particular a protective vest, the size of which can be adjusted. At least one outer zipper with two rows of teeth is provided. The article of clothing has a first size in a closed state of the outer zipper and a second size in an open state of the outer zipper, wherein the first size is smaller than the second size. In the open state of the outer zipper, the rows of teeth are held together at a distance from each other by material which is at least partly covered by the outer zipper in the closed state of the outer zipper. An inner zipper with two rows of teeth is provided, said zipper being at least partly covered by the outer zipper in the closed state of the outer zipper and being exposed in the open state of the outer zipper.