Fastener Stringer Manufacturing Device with Segmented Wire Supply
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for manufacturing fastener stringers either result in high costs due to the use of metallic rectangular wire materials for premium designs or limit the ability to create continuous patterns with different metal element properties like colors, making it difficult to produce slide fasteners with both low costs and premium features.
Innovation Solution
A manufacturing device and method that intermittently supplies and cuts element-use wire materials of different colors to form fastener elements with predetermined pitches, allowing for the sequential implantation of these elements onto a fastener tape, enabling the creation of fastener stringers with varied properties in a continuous row at a lower cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If metallic rectangular wire material is used to manufacture fastener elements for premium designs, then the aesthetic quality and design flexibility are improved, but the manufacturing cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the wire material supply into multiple independent channels, each supplying a different colored wire material. This allows selective supply of different wire materials to different positions, enabling premium designs with multiple colors while using cost-effective circular wire materials instead of expensive rectangular wire materials throughout.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by allowing different wire materials (different colors) to be supplied to different local positions (first through fourth positions) of the fastener stringer. This enables premium aesthetic features at specific locations while maintaining cost efficiency in other areas.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a single wire material supply channel is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to create continuous patterns with different metal element properties is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The wire material supply system is segmented into four independent supply channels (first, second, third, and fourth supply channels), each capable of supplying different colored wire materials. This segmentation enables continuous patterns with different metal element properties while keeping each individual supply channel relatively simple in structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Each supply channel is designed with universal functionality to supply different types of wire materials (different colors, different properties) to different positions. This multi-functionality achieves high adaptability and pattern variety without requiring fundamentally different mechanisms for each supply channel.
3Productivity
If multiple wire materials are supplied simultaneously to all positions, then the productivity is improved, but the manufacturing precision of element placement is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic action by controlling the supply channels to operate in a sequential, timed manner rather than simultaneously. The control unit coordinates the periodic supply of different wire materials to different positions, ensuring that elements are placed with high precision while maintaining overall manufacturing productivity through continuous cyclic operation.
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
This approach allows for the production of fastener stringers with distinct element properties, such as colors, in a continuous row, effectively balancing cost and premium features, enabling their use in products requiring design and premium feel without significantly reducing manufacturing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a cutting punch (3) arranged to reciprocate relative to the cutting die (2) while sliding contacting a sliding contact surface (2a) of the cutting die (2)
Data Source
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AI summary
A manufacturing device for a fastener stringer according to the present invention comprises a wire material supply unit which intermittently supplies element-use wire materials (W) at a predetermined pitch so as to project the same upon a sliding contact surface of a cutting die (2). This wire material supply unit comprises: a plurality of supply unit parts (10a and 10b) which perform supply toward the cutting die (2) by way of each of separate supply means; and a control unit which controls the amount of supply of the wire materials (W) by way of each of the supply unit parts (10a and 10b) so as to sequentially project, upon the sliding contact surface of the cutting die (2), one among the plurality of wire materials (W) in accordance with a preset order. As a result, it is possible to manufacture, simply and at low cost, a fastener stringer (S) for which such properties as colors in fastener elements (E) are different within a contiguous element column.