Fluid-Resistant Slide Fastener Extension Member Seal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing slide fasteners face challenges in maintaining a fluid-tight seal when attached to articles, as stitching creates holes that allow fluid to pass through, and they lack flexibility in width adjustments to fit different applications.
Innovation Solution
A method of manufacturing a slide fastener with a fluid-resistant material layer and an extending layer that forms a seal, preventing fluid paths and allowing for adjustable width by modifying the extension member, ensuring no fluid intrusion through the tape during attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If stitching is used to attach the slide fastener to the article, then durable attachment is achieved, but fluid can flow through the holes created by stitching
Solution Approach 1:
A fluid-resistant material layer is introduced as an intermediary between the stitching holes and the tape. This layer prevents fluid from flowing through the stitching holes while allowing the stitching to maintain durable attachment. The extending layer of fluid-resistant material acts as a mediator that blocks the fluid path created by the stitching process.
Solution Approach 2:
A thin film of fluid-resistant material is applied over the stitching area. This flexible film conforms to the stitching structure while blocking fluid flow through the holes. The thin film maintains the durability of the stitching attachment while preventing the harmful fluid permeability effect.
2Ease of manufacture
If the slide fastener width is fixed by standard manufacturing, then production is simplified, but flexibility to accommodate different applications is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The slide fastener is divided into modular components: a standard manufactured portion with coupling elements and a separate extending layer of fluid-resistant material. The extending layer can be adjusted in width independently of the standard components, allowing customization for different applications while maintaining simple standard manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The width of the slide fastener is made adjustable by providing an extending layer that can be configured to different widths. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the same base component to serve multiple applications with different width requirements, increasing versatility without complicating the core manufacturing process.
Data Source
AI summary
A first tape having a first edge is provided. The first tape is provided with a row of coupling elements along the first edge of the first tape. The coupling elements are configured to interdigitate with a further row of coupling elements. A first layer of a fluid resistant material is attached to the first tape. An extending layer of a fluid resistant material is attached to the first layer. The extending layer forms an extension member including a first overhang portion which extends beyond a second edge opposite the first edge. The first layer of the fluid resistant material is attached to the first tape and the extending layer is attached to the first layer.