Opposite-Direction Zipper Sliders for Mattress Cover Versatility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mattress cover attachment systems do not allow for flexible use of a single cover as either an upper or lower cover, limiting versatility in mattress design and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A zipper system with a middle band featuring closing chains on both longitudinal edges, allowing for independent closure of parallel openings, and utilizing two sliders to open or close partial zip fasteners in opposite directions, enabling the cover to be attached to either the top or bottom of a mattress core, or simultaneously to both.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional zipper with closing chains on one side is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the cover can only be attached to one side (top or bottom) of the mattress core
Solution Approach 1:
The zipper is divided into two independent partial zippers, each with its own closing chains and slider. This segmentation allows each partial zipper to independently attach to either the top or bottom cover, enabling flexible configuration without requiring a completely new zipper design.
Solution Approach 2:
The zipper system is designed to perform multiple functions: it can attach a cover to the top of the mattress core, attach a cover to the bottom, or attach both simultaneously. The same zipper structure serves different attachment purposes by configuring which partial zippers are engaged.
2Adaptability or versatility
If two partial zippers with opposite running directions are used, then the cover can be attached to top or bottom, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
One of the partial zippers is designed with closing chains that run in the opposite direction to the other partial zipper. This inversion allows the zippers to interact properly when attaching covers to opposite sides of the mattress core, with each zipper's slider moving in its own direction while achieving coordinated attachment.
3Ease of operation
If a one-piece middle band is used, then the structure is simpler, but the closing chains on both edges cannot be independently actuated
Solution Approach 1:
The middle band is segmented into two separate partial bands, each carrying closing chains on its longitudinal edge. This segmentation allows each partial band to be independently actuated by its own slider, enabling independent control of the top and bottom cover attachments.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
In the zip fastener (100, 200) comprising a central band (1, 201) whose two longitudinal edges (2, 3) are provided with closing chains (4, 5), further comprising two outer bands (7, 8) which each have a closing chain (11, 12) on their longitudinal edge (9, 10) facing a longitudinal edge (2, 3) of the central band (1), and yet further comprising two sliders (13, 14), of which one interengages a closing chain (11, 12) of the outer band (7) and the facing closing chain (4) of the longitudinal edge (2) of the central band (1) and the other interengages the closing chain (12) of the other outer band (8) and the facing closing chain (5) of the other longitudinal edge (3) of the central band (1) when closing and disengages them when opening, the two sliders (13, 14) and the associated closing chains (4, 11; 5, 12) are disposed to open and close in opposite directions.