Pull-Release Closure for Single-Handed Garment Fastening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Garment closures, particularly in brassieres, often require both hands to fasten and unfasten due to inaccessible designs, which can be cumbersome for users with limited range of motion.
Innovation Solution
A pull-release closure apparatus comprising a separable fastener with a male and female portion, a hook, and a cord that allows for easy detachment and reattachment by pulling the cord, enabling single-handed operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a discrete closure placement is used in garment design, then the structural integrity and aesthetic appearance are improved, but the accessibility and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
A cord is introduced as an intermediary element that extends from the separable fastener to an accessible location on the garment. This cord allows users to operate the closure mechanism from a distance, solving the accessibility problem while maintaining the discrete placement of the fastener itself, thus preserving structural integrity.
2Ease of manufacture
If a traditional separable fastener is used, then the manufacturing simplicity is improved, but the ease of operation for users with limited range of motion deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The closure system is segmented into distinct components: a separable fastener mechanism and an extended cord. This segmentation allows the fastener to remain simple and easy to manufacture while the cord provides the additional functionality needed for ease of operation. The two components work together to resolve the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and usability.
3Reliability
If both hands are required to fasten and unfasten the closure, then the security and reliability of fastening are improved, but the productivity and time efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The cord acts as a mechanical intermediary that transmits the user's pulling force to the separable fastener. This allows a single hand to operate the closure by pulling the cord, which triggers the fastening or unfastening action. The reliability of the fastening is maintained through the mechanical design of the separable fastener, while the cord enables single-handed operation that improves time efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A pull-release closure apparatus and method. The apparatus comprises a separable fastener, comprising a male portion having a lug, a corresponding female portion having a hook detachably coupled to the lug, the hook further comprising a first substantially circular opening mounted on a peg, a second substantially circular opening, and a protrusion resting against a wall of the female portion. The apparatus comprises a cord coupled to the second substantially circular opening and extending outward from the separable fastener. The apparatus comprises a first garment attachment member comprising a first substantially rectangular opening, the first garment attachment member coupled to the male portion, and a second garment attachment member comprising a second substantially rectangular opening, the second garment attachment member coupled to the female portion.