Cap Structure Retaining Blocks for Stable Elastic Piece Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional zipper head assembly structures face challenges in securely retaining an elastic piece within the cap structure, particularly due to variations in the angle of the retaining blocks, which can lead to instability and misalignment of the elastic piece.

Innovation Solution

The method involves creating a cap structure with at least two retaining blocks that are inclined at adjustable angles, allowing the elastic piece to be supported on a predetermined plane, ensuring it remains stable regardless of changes in the angle, through the formation of breach holes and through holes during the manufacturing process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the retaining blocks are inclined at fixed angles in conventional cap structures, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the elastic piece becomes unstable and misaligned when angle variations occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability of elastic pieceVSAvoidcap structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the retaining blocks adjustable in angle rather than fixed. The cap structure allows the retaining blocks to be positioned at different angles dynamically, enabling the elastic piece to remain stable regardless of angle variations. This transforms the static structure into a dynamic one that can adapt to different configurations while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by allowing the angle parameter of the retaining blocks to be variable. Instead of fixing the angle at specific values, the structure permits continuous adjustment of the angle parameter, which enables the system to maintain elastic piece stability across a range of angle values rather than being sensitive to precise angle control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If multiple retaining blocks with adjustable angles are used to stabilize the elastic piece, then the stability is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveretention stabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the cap structure into modular components, including multiple retaining blocks that can be independently positioned and adjusted. Each retaining block functions as an independent segment that contributes to the overall stability of the elastic piece, allowing for flexible configuration while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through modular assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If the retaining blocks are made adjustable to accommodate angle variations, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveangle adjustment capabilityVSAvoidcap structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements universality by designing the cap structure with retaining blocks that serve multiple functions: they provide structural support, retain the elastic piece, and allow angle adjustment for adaptability. This multi-functional design reduces the need for separate components for each function, thereby increasing adaptability while controlling overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11122868B2Method of manufacturing a cap structure
Publication Date: 2021.09.21 WEIFANG ZHONG CHUAN ZIP FASTENER ACCESSORY CO LTD
  • US11122868B2 patent drawing
  • US11122868B2 patent drawing
  • US11122868B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method of manufacturing a cap structure includes providing an initial cap body; placing an elastic piece on an inner surface of the initial cap body; and then punching the initial cap body to form a cap body. The cap structure includes a cap body and an elastic piece. The cap body has at least two first inner concave grooves, at least two first retaining blocks and at least two first through holes. The at least two first inner concave grooves are disposed on the inner surface of the cap body, and the at least two first through holes pass through the cap body. The elastic piece is disposed on the inner surface of the cap body, and the at least two first retaining blocks contact the elastic piece for retaining or abutting the elastic piece.