Conductive Zipper Slider Audio Playback Waterproof Housing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing portable audio players integrated into articles are typically disposable, lack protection against water and damage, and are not easily adaptable to different applications.

Innovation Solution

A combination zipper and audio player system where the zipper slider is made of electrically conductive material, with embedded audio module and speaker in a waterproof housing, allowing prerecorded audio playback when the zipper is opened to a predetermined degree, and is designed to be washable and weather-resistant.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If audio players are integrated into articles, then audio playback function is achieved, but protection against water and damage is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintegration into articlesVSAvoidprotection against water and damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The audio player is segmented from the article structure, housed in a separate waterproof container that can be independently protected and replaced without affecting the article itself

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A waterproof housing acts as an intermediary between the audio player electronics and the external environment, providing protection against water and damage while allowing the player to be integrated into various articles

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If audio players are manufactured as disposable, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but lifetime and durability are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidlifetime

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The audio player is divided into replaceable modules (battery, audio module, speaker) that can be individually serviced or replaced, extending the overall system lifetime beyond what would be possible with a disposable unit

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of discarding the entire audio player when one component fails, individual components can be recovered and replaced, extending the functional lifetime of the device

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Ease of operation

If electrical contacts are exposed for zipper operation, then zipper functionality is achieved, but water damage to electronics is possible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvezipper operationVSAvoidwater exposure to electronics

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The waterproof housing serves as an intermediary barrier that allows electrical contacts to be exposed for zipper operation while protecting the electronics from water damage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The electrical connection mechanism is designed to work through a sealed interface, replacing the need for open electrical contacts with a waterproof connection system that maintains both functionality and protection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Enables audio playback while providing protection against water and damage, with the ability to be integrated into various articles without altering their appearance, and can be washed or exposed to inclement weather.

Implementation Method 1

The audio module and the speaker are contained within a waterproof housing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical containment: Physical Containment

Implementation Method 2

The zipper slider is made from an electrically conductive material... when the zipper slider is in electrical contact with the first and second electrical contacts

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS12029286B1Combination zipper and audio player

Publication Date: 2024.07.09 GRIMMETT ADAM D

AI summary

The combination zipper and audio player includes an audio system for playing prerecorded audio when the zipper is opened to a predetermined degree. The zipper is a conventional zipper including first and second flexible panels, first and second sets of zipper teeth secured to respective edges of the first and second flexible panels, and a zipper slider which is slidably mounted on the first and second sets of zipper teeth. The zipper slider is made from an electrically conductive material. First and second electrical contacts are respectively secured to the first and second flexible panels respectively adjacent the first and second sets of zipper teeth. An audio module is in electrical communication with the first and second electrical contacts, and a speaker is in electrical communication with the audio module. The audio module and the speaker are contained within a waterproof housing and are configured to play the prerecorded audio.