Double-Sided Slider With Dual Pull-Tab Locking Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing double-sided slide fasteners with automatic locking mechanisms face challenges in precision operation and convenience, particularly in requiring complex structures and being inconvenient for simultaneous outside and inside operation, especially when closing or opening fastener chains from different directions.

Innovation Solution

A slider for a double-sided slide fastener with an automatic locking mechanism featuring pull-tabs on both the front and rear surfaces, utilizing a pawl member and spring mechanism that allows for independent operation of pull-tabs to stop and slide the fastener chain, enabling stable sliding and stopping functions, and allowing operation from both inside and outside.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a double-sided double-pull-tab slider with swinging elements and link members is used, then the slider can be operated from both front and rear surfaces, but the number of components increases and the structure becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation from both front and rear surfacesVSAvoidnumber of components and structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the front-side and rear-side operating mechanisms into a single integrated locking pawl (105) and single swinging element (103). The pull-tabs (100, 101) from both surfaces are connected to the same swinging element through different link members (106, 107), eliminating the need for separate locking mechanisms for each side. This consolidation reduces the number of components while maintaining the ability to operate from both surfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single swinging element (103) serves multiple functions: it responds to pull-tab operations from both the front surface (via link member 106) and rear surface (via link member 107), controls the locking pawl (105) engagement with the element guide groove (110), and enables sliding operations in both directions. This multi-functional design reduces component count while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If different link members are used for front-side and rear-side pull-tabs, then independent operation from both surfaces is enabled, but precision operation becomes difficult due to different operating mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependent operation from both surfacesVSAvoidprecision operation consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the control of both pull-tabs into a single swinging element (103) with a unified locking pawl (105). This ensures that both the front pull-tab (100) and rear pull-tab (101) operate through the same mechanical pathway and engagement point, guaranteeing consistent precision and reliability regardless of which surface is used for operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple swinging elements are used for front and rear surfaces, then double-sided operation is achieved, but the slider body size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedouble-sided operation capabilityVSAvoidslider body size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent consolidates the swinging elements into a single unit (103) that handles operations from both surfaces. This eliminates the need for separate swinging elements for front and rear sides, significantly reducing the space required within the slider body while maintaining full double-sided operational capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 solution provides a convenient and precise method for operating double-sided slide fasteners with automatic locking, allowing for stable sliding and stopping functions, enabling easy opening and closing of fastener chains from either side, thus addressing the complexity and convenience issues of previous designs.

Implementation Method 1

a spring mechanism that presses the locking pawl into the element guide groove

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP1972225B1Slider for double-sided slide fastener with automatic locking device

Publication Date: 2015.09.23 YKK CORP

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Figure 7~9

AI summary

A slider for a double-sided slide fastener with an automatic locking device, includes: a body (1), having a first body (2), a second body (3) opposed to the first body, and a third body (4) connected to the first body and the second body, which define a space (6); an operating member (20), attached to the body, and having a first member (26) being parallel to the first body and formed with a first groove (21) and a second member (27) being parallel to the second body and formed with a second groove (21), the operating member adapted to slide on the first member and the second member in a direction; a pawl member (30), being in the body, and having a locking pawl (31) configured to retractably project to the space in accordance with a sliding operation of the operating member; a first pull-tab (38), attached to the first groove; and a second pull-tab (38), attached to the second groove. A shaft portion (39) of the first pull-tab can abut against an end portion (22,23) of the first groove in the direction, and a shaft portion of the second pull-tab can abut against an end portion of the second groove in the direction.