Coil-Shaped Fastener Chain Maintains Concealability Under Lateral Pull
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Solution Overview
Problem
Concealable slide fasteners suffer from reduced concealability and flexibility when subjected to strong lateral pulling forces, with the potential for element rows to become visible from the outside.
Innovation Solution
A fastener chain with coil-shaped restraining members that enhance concealability by maintaining element rows in close contact even under strong lateral forces, using flexible coil-shaped or zigzag-shaped restraining members to increase the overall height dimension and prevent separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hard synthetic resin restraining bodies are used to maintain concealability under lateral pulling forces, then concealability is improved, but flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The restraining member transitions from a rigid hard synthetic resin structure to a flexible coil-shaped structure made of soft resin or elastic material. This parameter change in material properties and geometric shape allows the restraining member to maintain its height dimension for concealability while gaining flexibility to adapt to curved surfaces and strong lateral pulling forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The restraining member is formed into a coil shape with a height dimension that provides restraining force. The curved coil structure inherently possesses flexibility while maintaining the vertical height needed to prevent tape bent portion separation, resolving the contradiction between rigidity for concealability and flexibility for adaptability.
2Reliability
If restraining members with increased height dimension are used to prevent tape bent portion separation, then concealability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of creating a complex multi-component structure, the invention uses a simple coil-shaped restraining member where the coil geometry itself provides the necessary height dimension. The coil shape is formed by winding a single linear member, which simplifies manufacturing while achieving the required restraining height to prevent tape separation under lateral forces.
3Reliability
If multiple rectangular thin-plate-shaped restraining bodies connected by film are used, then concealability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to reduced flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple discrete restraining bodies into a single continuous coil-shaped restraining member. This unified structure eliminates the need for film connectors between separate pieces, simplifies the overall design, and provides continuous flexibility along the entire length of the restraining member while maintaining the necessary height for concealability.
Solution Approach 2:
The restraining member transitions from a composite structure of multiple rigid pieces to a single flexible coil structure. This parameter change in both geometry and material properties enables the restraining member to bend and conform to curved surfaces while maintaining its height dimension for effective concealability.
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 fastener chain maintains concealability and flexibility, preventing element rows from being easily visible and reducing the risk of exposure, while allowing for easier attachment to curved surfaces with improved design integration.
Implementation Method 1
Each restraining member is formed by deforming at least one linear member, and includes a portion that the linear member extends in a direction for increasing an overall height dimension of the restraining member
Data Source
AI summary
A fastener chain according to the present invention includes left and right fastener stringers. Each fastener stringer includes a fastener tape and an element row. The element row is formed of fastener elements arranged in a coil shape. The fastener tape includes an element-attached portion and a tape bent portion extending from the element-attached portion and bent in a substantially U-shape. The fastener stringers include respective restraining members in contact with the tape bent portions. Each restraining member is formed by deforming a linear member, and the linear member includes a portion extending in a direction for increasing an overall height dimension of the restraining member. Thus, even when a strong lateral pulling force is applied to the fastener tapes while the element rows are in an engaged state, the element rows can be made less visible from the outside of the fastener.