Zipper Pull Tab With Foldable Design And Relocated Retainer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing zipper arrangements face difficulties in accessibility and assembly, particularly for bulky garments or users with mobility issues, and often cause discomfort and snagging due to the small size of components and lack of tactile feedback.
Innovation Solution
A zipper arrangement with a slider that includes wheels for engaging and disengaging teeth, a funnel-like insertion pin assembly for easier coupling, and a foldable pull tab for improved comfort and visibility, along with retention members like magnets or hook and loop fasteners for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional small insertion pin and retaining box are used at the bottom of the zipper, then the zipper structure remains compact, but it becomes difficult for users to quickly couple the components, especially when wearing gloves or having mobility limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The zipper assembly is divided into separate components: a first portion with the insertion pin and a second portion with the retaining box. This segmentation allows each component to be independently optimized for ease of coupling while maintaining overall zipper functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining box is repositioned from the traditional bottom location to the collar area (upper dimension of the garment). This dimensional change brings the coupling components closer to the user's hands, making assembly easier while maintaining a compact zipper structure.
2Ease of operation
If the insertion pin and retaining box are positioned at the bottom of the garment, then the zipper maintains traditional structure, but the remote location makes it difficult for users to see and access the parts, especially with bulky garments or poor eyesight
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining box is repositioned from the bottom (lower dimension) to the collar area (upper dimension) of the garment. This dimensional relocation reduces the distance between the user's hands and the zipper components, improving visibility and accessibility without increasing overall zipper length.
3Ease of operation
If a metallic slider is used for the zipper, then the zipper provides smooth sliding action, but the cold metallic slider causes discomfort when contacted against the wearer's skin in cold weather
Solution Approach 1:
A pull tab made of non-metallic material serves as an intermediary between the user's hand and the metallic slider. This mediator allows the user to operate the zipper without direct skin contact with the cold metal, reducing thermal discomfort while maintaining smooth sliding action.
Solution Approach 2:
The pull tab is constructed from flexible non-metallic material that can be manipulated easily. This flexible component provides thermal insulation and comfort while transmitting the user's pulling force to the metallic slider for smooth operation.
4Ease of operation
If the slider is moved to the upmost position in the collar area, then the zipper can fully close the garment, but the hard slider may rub against the skin on the wearer's neck and cause discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The pull tab acts as a mediator that extends beyond the slider, allowing the user to pull the slider to the collar area without the hard metallic slider directly contacting the wearer's skin. This intermediary component prevents skin irritation while enabling full garment closure.
5Ease of operation
If a traditional pull tab is used without folding capability, then the zipper structure remains simple, but the pull tab may cause snagging of the garment and lacks tactile feedback during slider movement
Solution Approach 1:
The pull tab is designed with folding capability, transforming from a static component to a dynamic one. The pull tab can be folded back onto itself or against the slider, providing tactile feedback during operation and preventing garment snagging when the zipper is not in use.
Solution Approach 2:
The pull tab can be preliminarily folded or positioned before zipper operation to prevent potential snagging of garment fabric. This preliminary arrangement of the pull tab eliminates future problems with fabric entanglement while maintaining operational simplicity.
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
Enhances accessibility and comfort by reducing snagging and providing a smooth tactile feedback, making it easier to operate the zipper, especially for users with mobility limitations or in bulky garments.
Implementation Method 1
A magnet or a hook and loop fastener may be used to retain the pull member to the inner portion of the garment
Implementation Method 2
A magnet or a hook and loop fastener may be used to retain the pull member to the inner portion of the garment
Data Source
AI summary
A garment with a zipper arrangement includes a collar, a plurality of right zipper elements provided along a front right portion of the garment, and a plurality of left zipper elements provided along the front left portion of the garment. A slider includes a front side, a top side, and a back side. The slider is configured to slide up as far as the collar and bring the plurality of right zipper elements into engagement with the plurality of left zipper elements. The slider is further configured to slide down and disengage the plurality of right zipper elements from the plurality of left zipper elements. A flexible pull member is coupled to the slider. The flexible pull member is designed and dimensioned to extend over the top side of the slider and be releasably coupled to an inner portion of the garment when the slider is at the collar.