Decorated Slide Fastener Coupling Elements with Protective Lacquer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for producing decorated slide fasteners face challenges in ensuring the quality and aesthetic appearance of the fasteners, particularly when subjected to normal washing and wear, as the decorative metallic layers tend to chip and erode over time.
Innovation Solution
A method involving injection molding of plastic coupling elements with a decorative metallic foil layer, followed by the application of a protective acrylate-based lacquer layer that extends over and beyond the decorative layer to enhance wear resistance and prevent chipping, while maintaining the aesthetic appeal and interdigitation functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a decorative metallic foil layer is applied to the coupling elements, then the aesthetic appearance of the slide fastener is improved, but the wear resistance deteriorates as the decorative layer chips and erodes over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a composite material structure consisting of a decorative metallic foil layer combined with a protective clear lacquer coating. The clear coating serves as a protective layer that prevents chipping and erosion of the underlying decorative metallic layer, thereby maintaining both aesthetic appearance and wear resistance over time. This composite structure allows the decorative layer to provide visual appeal while the protective layer provides durability.
2Reliability
If a protective lacquer layer is applied over the decorative layer, then the wear resistance is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the application of the decorative metallic foil layer and the protective clear lacquer coating into a single integrated manufacturing process. Both layers are applied to the coupling elements in sequence during the same production run, eliminating the need for separate manufacturing operations. This merging of steps simplifies the overall manufacturing process while still providing both aesthetic and protective functions.
3Illumination intensity
If the decorative layer extends to the side surfaces of coupling elements, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but the difficulty of applying the protective layer increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the protective clear lacquer coating selectively to specific regions of the coupling elements. The coating is applied to the front surface and extends partially onto the side surfaces, providing protection where it is most needed for aesthetic purposes while avoiding excessive complexity in the application process. This localized application approach balances aesthetic requirements with manufacturing ease.
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 method improves the wear resistance and long-term quality of decorated slide fasteners by encapsulating the decorative metallic foil layer with a protective lacquer, preventing chipping and maintaining the appearance and functionality of the fasteners.
Implementation Method 1
the coupling elements on the tape are injection molded onto the cord
Implementation Method 2
a decorative metallic foil layer is applied to the coupling elements
Implementation Method 3
a protective acrylate-based lacquer layer that extends over and beyond the decorative layer
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
The present invention relates to a slide fastener stringer comprising a first tape comprising a first edge, the tape further comprising a cord extending along the first edge of the tape; and wherein the tape further comprises a row of coupling elements located along the first edge of the tape and fixed thereto about the cord in a manner enabling the coupling elements on the tape to interdigitate with coupling elements on a second analogous tape; and wherein each coupling element comprises a first surface and wherein a decorative layer is applied to the first surface of at least one coupling element; and wherein a protective layer is applied atop the decorative layer and extends over and beyond the decorative layer to contact a region of the at least one coupling element not covered by the decorative layer and to a method of preparing same.