Concealed Zipper Structure With Stiffened Support Straps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing zipper designs for concealed or seam-covered applications fail to be designed to address the challenges of maintaining concealment under high tensile stress, as they often become visible due to insufficient structural reinforcement.
Innovation Solution
A zipper design featuring parallel support straps with interlocking coupling elements and stiffened areas using two-component yarns, particularly polyester, which form a hardened plastic layer to provide enhanced structural integrity under tensile forces, ensuring the zipper remains concealed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the fabric covering is fitted tightly to remain in position permanently, then the stability and position retention is improved, but the zipper becomes visible under tensile forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a stiffened area specifically at the abutting edges of the carrier tapes using two-component yarns. This localized reinforcement provides the necessary structural support at the zipper region without requiring the entire fabric covering to be tightly fitted, thus maintaining concealment while preserving overall flexibility and position retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by incorporating two-component yarns (combining a non-meltable thread component and a fusible thread component) into the fabric structure. This composite construction creates a stiffened area that resists tensile forces and keeps the zipper concealed, while the rest of the fabric maintains its original properties for comfortable fitting.
2Strength
If thicker warp threads are woven into the carrier tapes to stiffen them, then the stiffening effect is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of increasing the thickness of all warp threads throughout the carrier tapes, the patent applies local quality by using two-component yarns only in the stiffened area at the abutting edges. This localized approach provides the necessary stiffness where needed while keeping the rest of the fabric structure simple and easy to manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameters locally by incorporating fusible threads that can be melted to create a stiffening effect. This parameter change (from flexible to stiffened state) is achieved through a phase change process rather than through complex weaving patterns, simplifying the manufacturing process.
3Strength
If multiple woven areas with different weaving sections are created to stiffen the carrier tapes, then the stiffening effectiveness is improved, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a single concentrated stiffened area at the abutting edges using two-component yarns, rather than creating multiple woven areas throughout the fabric. This localized stiffening approach achieves the necessary structural support with a simpler, more efficient manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase transitions by incorporating fusible threads that melt under heat to create the stiffening effect. This phase change approach simplifies the manufacturing process compared to creating multiple complex woven sections, as the stiffening can be achieved through a controlled melting process rather than intricate weaving patterns.
4Strength
If fusible threads are incorporated into the fabric to form a stiffened plastic plate, then the stiffening effect is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by incorporating two-component yarns with fusible threads only in the stiffened area at the abutting edges of the carrier tapes. This localized use of fusible threads creates the necessary stiffening effect without requiring the entire fabric structure to be complex or heavily reinforced.
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 zipper maintains concealment by pressing the support straps together under tensile stress, revealing only a seam imitation, even under high tensile forces, while being easily manufacturable and adaptable for various applications with varying stiffness requirements.
Implementation Method 1
the two-component yarn is formed from core yarn coated with a fused layer
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a zipper with a pair of parallel support straps (1, 1') and coupling elements (2, 2') attached to each support strap in a row, wherein the rows of coupling elements (2, 2') are opposite each other and interlock to connect the two support straps (1, 1'). Each support strap (1, 1') is formed from two support strap sections (4, 4', 5, 5') which are layered on top of each other, with the coupling elements (2, 2') bearing against a first support strap section (4, 4') and a second support strap section (5, 5') arranged on the side of the first support strap section (4, 4') facing away from the coupling elements (2, 2'). The first support belt section (4,4') and the second support belt section (5,5') of both support belts (1,1') are bent over and connected to each other at a support belt area (6,6') facing the other support belt (1,1').Furthermore, a slider is provided which is guided along the rows through the coupling elements (2, 2'), wherein the slider is designed such that a movement of the slider in a first direction connects the coupling elements (2, 2') of the support belts (1, 1') in an interlocking manner and in a second, opposite direction releases them from each other. Essential to the invention, at least the first support belt sections (4, 4') of the support belts (1, 1') have a stiffened area (8, 8') which extends into the bent support belt area (6, 6'). When the coupling elements (2, 2') are interlocked, the support belt sections (1, 1') abut each other with the bent support belt areas (6, 6').