Slide Fastener Element Fin Portion Tilting Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional slide fasteners experience issues with fastener element tilting, thread cutting, and reduced slidability due to the thickness of attached cloths, which affects the sliding operation and sewing efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The element member features a fixing member with fastener elements having an element fixing portion, a coupling portion, and a fin portion that extends orthogonally, allowing for stable attachment and reduced friction, with asymmetric half portions and a through-hole for secure sewing, preventing tilting and thread cutting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the element member is fixed to the cloth by wrapping and holding the fixing member with a sewing thread, then the element member can be attached to the cloth, but the fastener elements may tilt when external force is applied, causing the upper and lower surfaces to become inclined with respect to the cloth surface
Solution Approach 1:
The fin portion is designed to extend in the top and back direction before sewing, creating a structure that prevents tilting during the attachment process and under subsequent external forces. This preliminary structural preparation ensures that the fastener elements maintain proper orientation relative to the cloth surface throughout manufacturing and use.
2Strength
If the sewing thread is disposed at a position where it is easily rubbed against the upper and lower flange portions of the slider, then the element member can be securely attached, but the sewing thread may be cut by repeated sliding operations
Solution Approach 1:
The sewing thread is extracted from the high-friction zone by positioning it on the fin portion rather than directly on the cloth surface near the slider path. This separation removes the thread from the harmful rubbing contact with the slider's flange portions, preventing cutting while maintaining attachment strength through the fin portion's structural support.
3Strength
If the thickness of the opposing edge parts of the cloths is increased to prevent fraying, then the edge parts become more durable, but the slider sliding operation becomes heavy and cloth may be caught by the slider
Solution Approach 1:
The fin portion extends in the top and back direction (vertical dimension) rather than increasing the horizontal thickness of the cloth edge. This dimensional shift allows the fastener elements to maintain proper orientation and spacing without increasing the horizontal thickness that would interfere with slider movement, thus preserving both edge durability and slider slidability.
Data Source
AI summary
An element member includes a fixing member and a plurality of fastener elements attached to the fixing member, characterized in that the fastener element includes an element fixing portion fixed to the fixing member, a coupling portion extending from the element fixing portion in a width direction, and a fin portion extending from the element fixing portion to a side opposite to the coupling portion. The fastener element is fixed to the fixing member only at the element fixing portion. As a result, in a slide fastener-attached product manufactured by using the element member, the orientation of the fastener element is prevented from being tilted with respect to a fastener attached member and smooth sliding operation of a slider can be ensured.