Slide Fastener Coating with Gradient Thickness for Interference Colors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional slide fasteners have a simple appearance and are limited in expressing a variety of colors and patterns, with issues such as coating detachment and cracking when used continuously.
Innovation Solution
A coil-like fastener element with a light transmissive coating on the upper leg, featuring a gradual thickness decrease from the top to the fastener tape, multiple laminated layers for interference patterns, and a resin or metal layer for durability and color enhancement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a coating is formed to improve decorativeness, then colors and patterns are diversified, but coating detachment and cracking occur when used continuously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the thickness of the light transmissive layer (50-1500 nm) and the resin layer (1-10 μm), as well as adjusting the refractive index differences between layers. These parameter optimizations enable the coating to achieve diverse color and pattern effects while preventing detachment and cracking during continuous use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by combining multiple light transmissive layers with different refractive indices and a resin layer. This multi-layer composite structure creates interference patterns for decorative effects while the resin layer provides adhesion and protection, preventing coating detachment and cracking.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a coating is formed to express variety of colors and patterns, then appearance is enhanced, but the coating structure becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves color and pattern diversity through parameter changes in layer thickness (50-1500 nm for light transmissive layers, 1-10 μm for resin layer) and refractive index variations. By optimizing these parameters, the coating produces diverse interference patterns without requiring excessive structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating different optical properties in different regions of the coating structure. The light transmissive layers are positioned specifically to create interference patterns, while the resin layer provides localized adhesion and protection, achieving decorative diversity without uniform structural complexity throughout.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the layer thickness is increased to enhance color effects, then interference patterns are improved, but coating cracking occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the thickness parameters of individual layers (light transmissive layers at 50-1500 nm and resin layer at 1-10 μm) to achieve strong interference patterns while preventing cracking. The resin layer thickness is specifically controlled to provide sufficient flexibility and crack resistance even when light transmissive layers are thick enough to produce desired optical effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite structure where the resin layer acts as a flexible substrate that prevents cracking, while the light transmissive layers on top provide interference patterns. This composite approach allows the coating to achieve both strong optical effects and mechanical durability without cracking.
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 fastener element achieves diverse color and pattern changes with observing angles, reduces coating detachment, and enhances surface durability through interference patterns and layer configurations.
Implementation Method 1
light is reflected on at least one interface formed with the at least two light transmissive layers
Implementation Method 2
different interference patterns formed due to different film thicknesses can be obtained depending on observing angles
Implementation Method 3
a coating comprising at least one light transmissive layer is formed at least in the upper leg
Data Source
AI summary
A fastener element for slide fasteners where the color and pattern change diversely with viewing angle. A coiled fastener element for slide fasteners that is to be furnished on a fastener tape, wherein the fastener element is provided with an engagement head, an upper leg, a lower leg, and inverting part for connecting the upper leg with the lower leg; a coating comprising at least one light-transmissive layer is formed on at least the upper leg; and the thickness of the light-permeable layer is formed so as to decrease gradually from the approximate top of the upper leg to the fastener tape side and so that the layer thickness near the top is at most about 50-1500 nm.