Slide Fastener Top Stop With Abutment Protrusion For Slider Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing slide fasteners face challenges in allowing easy insertion and removal of the slider, particularly when top stops are already affixed to the stringers, which can hinder the mounting of the slider or require complex procedures for removal.
Innovation Solution
A top stop design that includes an abutment protrusion and a channel with varying widths, allowing for easy insertion and removal of the slider by facilitating the slider's movement along the channel and providing a release point for easy disengagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a top stop is attached to the stringer to prevent slider detachment, then the slider is retained securely during normal use, but the slider becomes difficult or impossible to remove when replacement is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The top stop is divided into two functional segments: a retention portion that prevents accidental detachment during normal use, and a release portion that enables intentional removal when needed. This segmentation allows the same structure to provide both secure retention and controlled release functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The top stop transitions from a static retention structure to a dynamic system that responds to user input. The release portion is designed to engage with the slider only when deliberate force is applied, transforming the top stop from a purely restrictive element to one that can dynamically switch between retention and release modes.
2Ease of manufacture
If the top stop structure is simplified for easy manufacturing, then production cost decreases, but the ability to provide both retention and release functionality is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The top stop is designed as a universal component that performs multiple functions: it provides retention during normal operation, enables controlled release when needed, and can be manufactured using standard processes. The single structure integrates both retention and release capabilities, eliminating the need for separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention portion and release portion are merged into a single integrated top stop structure. This combination allows the component to deliver both retention and release functionality through one piece, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining versatile performance.
3Device complexity
If the channel width is uniform throughout, then the top stop structure is simpler, but the slider cannot be easily inserted or removed
Solution Approach 1:
The channel exhibits local quality variations in its width along its length. The wider section at the inlet facilitates easy slider insertion, while the narrower section provides retention. This localized variation in geometry optimizes different functional zones of the same channel structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The channel geometry transitions from a two-dimensional cross-sectional view to a three-dimensional form with varying width along its length. This dimensional variation creates the functional differentiation needed for both easy insertion and secure retention without requiring multiple separate components.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A top stop (30) for a slide fastener (10) includes a first body portion (31a). The first body portion (31a) includes a channel (36) having an inlet (32) at a first side of the top stop (30) and an outlet (34) at a second side of the top stop (30), the second side being opposite the first side. The channel (36) is configured to receive a portion (24a) of a slider (20) of a slide fastener (10), the channel (36) being defined by a channel first side wall (38) and a channel second side wall (37) and a channel bottom surface (35) therebetween. The channel second side wall (37) includes a protruding portion defining an abutment protrusion (37a) in the channel (36). The top stop (30) includes a longitudinal axis which is parallel to an axis of operation (A) of a slide fastener (10). The distance parallel to the longitudinal axis of the top stop (30) between the channel first side wall (38) and channel second side wall (37) defines a channel width. The channel width (G) extending from the abutment protrusion (37a) is less than the channel width (F) at the inlet (32) and the channel width (J) at the outlet (34).