Rear Zipper Pull Clamp With Elastic Tether for Easier Dressing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Individuals with physical disabilities, such as the elderly or those with injuries, face significant challenges in operating rear-positioned dress zippers due to their awkward location and the physical exertion required, necessitating a solution for easy and efficient zipper operation.
Innovation Solution
A zipper assist device comprising a clamp assembly with jaws and a torsion spring, attached to a zipper puller, and a tether made of elastic or fabric, allowing for easy attachment and operation of the zipper by providing a consistent force to close or open the zipper.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional zipper puller is used, then the zipper can be operated, but it requires significant physical exertion and is difficult to operate for people with physical disabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the zipper operation into two distinct components: a clamp assembly that attaches to the zipper puller and a separate tether with loop that provides the pulling mechanism. This segmentation allows the user to pull on the tether rather than directly manipulating the zipper puller, significantly reducing the physical effort required while maintaining full zipper functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The tether acts as an intermediary between the user's hand and the zipper puller. By attaching the clamp assembly to the zipper puller and having the user pull on the tether instead, the device mediates the force application, making it easier for people with physical disabilities to operate the zipper while still achieving the same closing action.
2Ease of operation
If the zipper puller is positioned at the rear of the dress, then the dress design is achieved, but it becomes awkward to reach and operate
Solution Approach 1:
The device extends the zipper operation into a new spatial dimension by using a tether that can reach from the rear zipper location to the user's hand. This allows the user to pull the zipper from a more accessible position while the clamp assembly maintains attachment at the rear, effectively bridging the distance gap created by the rear zipper placement.
3Reliability
If a clamp assembly with multiple parts is used, then secure attachment to zipper puller is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp assembly merges multiple functional elements into a single integrated unit that attaches to the zipper puller. The clamp includes both the attachment mechanism and the interface for the tether, combining these functions into one component that simplifies the overall device structure while maintaining secure attachment. This merging reduces the number of separate parts the user must handle during assembly and operation.
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
Enables users to effortlessly operate rear-positioned zippers with reduced physical exertion, making dressing easier and more accessible for those with mobility issues.
Implementation Method 1
The device further comprises a torsion spring; hingedly attaching the first release arm to the second release arm
Implementation Method 2
The tether is made of elastic or fabric
Data Source
AI summary
A clip to assist a user in pulling up a zipper is particularly suited for zippers located on the back of garments. The clip attaches to a zipper puller portion of a zipper and is provided with a spring-loaded clamping mechanism that grasps the puller. The clip is also provided with an extending elastic cord. The clip is installed upon the garment prior to donning and the cord is then grasped and pulled to close the zipper. A pair of release arms on the side of the clip is pressed together to install and release the clip from the zipper puller.