Garment Extender Universal Attachment for Zip Fasteners
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing garment extenders require a large inventory to fit different brands and models of zip fasteners, as they typically attach to specific types of slide fasteners, making it difficult for buyers to select the correct type without specialized help.
Innovation Solution
A garment extender design that secures to the stringer tapes of the slide fastener using attachments with channels and slits, allowing sliding attachment along the tapes for universal compatibility, eliminating the need for customization to specific brands and models.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If garment extenders are designed to attach to specific types of slide fasteners, then the attachment reliability is improved, but the adaptability deteriorates requiring a large inventory for different brands and models
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment is designed with a universal structure comprising a body with a channel and gripping portions that can accommodate different types of slide fasteners. The channel receives teeth from various slide fastener types while the gripping portions secure the stringer tape, enabling one attachment design to function with multiple slide fastener varieties without requiring customization.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment is divided into distinct functional segments: a body portion with a channel for receiving teeth, gripping portions for securing the stringer tape, and a link portion for flexibility. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, contributing to overall universal compatibility while maintaining reliable attachment.
2Device complexity
If garment extenders use a standardized attachment design, then the inventory complexity is reduced, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring the correct type increases
Solution Approach 1:
The standardized attachment design with its universal channel and gripping portions eliminates the need for multiple specialized attachment types, simplifying inventory to a single universal design that works with various slide fastener types.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment design allows the user to simply insert the slide fastener teeth into the channel and secure the stringer tape with the gripping portions, enabling self-installation without requiring specialized knowledge or assistance from sales personnel.
3Ease of operation
If the attachment uses a flexible link connecting components, then the ease of operation is improved, but the rigidity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment incorporates a flexible link that allows dynamic adjustment and movement, enabling the attachment to adapt to different positions and orientations during installation and use, while the rigid body and channel provide structural support when engaged.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible link serves as a separate segment connecting the body to other components, allowing this specific portion to be flexible while other segments maintain rigidity, thus balancing ease of operation with structural strength.
Data Source
AI summary
A garment extender including: a body provided with an attachment at each side thereof, each of the attachments defining a channel and a slit leading laterally into the channel. When the attachment is operatively secured to a garment slide fastener of a garment, a gripped portion of one of the stringer tapes of the garment slide fastener is inserted in the slit and the channel receives thereinto teeth that are supported by the stringer tape adjacent the gripped portion.