Plastic Zipper Coupling Elements with Laminated Tapes for Water Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional water-resistant slide fasteners with coil coupling elements are difficult to operate in low temperatures and are not effective against water, while plastic molded elements do not repel water well.
Innovation Solution
A slide fastener design featuring coupling elements with distinct surfaces and shapes on stringer tapes, laminated with a liquid-resistant material, and molded from plastic, which creates channels and gaps to prevent water ingress and maintain functionality in adverse conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If coil coupling elements are used in slide fasteners, then water resistance is improved, but operability deteriorates at lower temperatures and when exposed to sand, debris, or ice
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from coil (metal) to plastic polymer, which fundamentally alters the physical properties. Plastic molded coupling elements remain flexible and operable at low temperatures unlike coil elements that become rigid and stick, while still maintaining water resistance through the molded design geometry
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite construction by combining plastic molded coupling elements with laminated stringer tapes. The stringer tape is laminated with a material that provides water resistance, while the plastic coupling elements provide low-temperature operability, creating a composite system that achieves both water resistance and ease of operation in harsh conditions
2Ease of operation
If plastic molded coupling elements are used, then ease of operation in low temperatures is improved, but water resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating the properties of different components: the coupling elements are made of plastic for low-temperature operability, while the stringer tape is laminated with water-resistant material. This localized assignment of properties allows each component to optimize its function without compromising the other
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite water-resistant system by combining plastic molded coupling elements with laminated stringer tapes. The lamination on the stringer tape provides the water resistance that plain plastic elements lack, while the overall assembly maintains the low-temperature operability of the plastic components
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
The design provides improved water resistance and operational ease in low temperatures and harsh environments, with less than 0.5 cubic centimeters of water penetrating through the fastener in a 15-minute test, ensuring effective sealing and usability.
Implementation Method 1
the first surfaces of the first and the second stringer tapes are laminated with a liquid resistant material
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments of slide fasteners include a first set of coupling elements and a second set of coupling elements configured to be removably joined together by a zipper. Each coupling element includes a first surface having a first shape and a second surface having a second shape, wherein the second surface is spaced apart from and cofaces the first surface. The first shape may be substantially triangular or substantially trapezoidal, according to various embodiments, and the second shape is substantially gear shaped. When the coupling elements of the first set and the second set are removably joined together, water is substantially prevented from leaking from the first surface to the second surface. In addition, the coupling elements are disposed on stringer tapes, and the surfaces of the stringer tapes adjacent the first surfaces of the coupling elements are laminated with a water resistant material.