Retractable Enclosure Zipper Support Structure for Flat Openings

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing retractable enclosure zippers face manufacturing complexity and are prone to wrinkling, leading to reduced aesthetics and added weight, while simpler designs lack support and result in sagging openings.

Innovation Solution

A retractable enclosure zipper with a support structure comprising a supporting cloth and a support member, arranged on the inner side of the retractable cloth, which supports the zipper teeth and cloth to maintain a flat appearance, and can be made of lightweight materials like plastic, metal, wood, leather, or foam.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If a wire bracket is used to support the zipper cloth, then the zipper structure has good support and flat appearance, but the manufacturing process becomes complicated and weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflat appearanceVSAvoidmanufacturing process

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the support function from the complex wire bracket structure and concentrates it into a single support member. This support member is inserted into a receiving space formed by the supporting cloth and retractable cloth, providing the necessary structural support while dramatically simplifying the overall manufacturing process and reducing complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the support structure into distinct functional components: the supporting cloth that forms the receiving space, the support member that provides structural support, and the retractable cloth that enables expansion. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured and assembled independently, simplifying the overall manufacturing process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Shape

If a wire bracket is used to support the zipper cloth, then the zipper structure has good support and flat appearance, but the weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflat appearanceVSAvoidweight

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material parameters of the support structure by replacing traditional heavy wire brackets with lightweight materials such as plastic, foam, or thin metal sheets for the support member. This parameter change maintains the necessary structural support and flat appearance while significantly reducing the overall weight of the zipper assembly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs thin film or shell-like structures for the supporting cloth and support member, using materials that provide adequate structural support with minimal weight. The supporting cloth acts as a flexible membrane that forms the receiving space, while the thin support member provides the necessary rigidity, achieving the desired balance between support and weight reduction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Ease of manufacture

If the zipper cloth is directly sewn to the retractable enclosure without support, then the manufacturing process is simple and lightweight, but the zipper is prone to wrinkles and uneven appearance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing processVSAvoidappearance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary support member that mediates between the supporting cloth and the retractable cloth. This support member acts as a structural intermediary that prevents wrinkling and maintains a flat appearance, while the supporting cloth serves as another intermediary that forms the receiving space and provides additional support

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-forming the supporting cloth and support member into the correct configuration before assembly. The supporting cloth is prepared to form the receiving space, and the support member is pre-shaped to provide the necessary structural support, ensuring that the zipper cloth maintains a flat appearance throughout the manufacturing and usage process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20250351926A1Retractable enclosure zipper and double-layer retractable enclosure zipper

Publication Date: 2025.11.20 CHUZHOU YUJIAN TRAVEL PRODUCT CO LTD

AI summary

A retractable enclosure zipper and a double-layer retractable enclosure zipper. The retractable enclosure zipper includes: a first zipper cloth, a second zipper cloth, a retractable cloth, and a support structure. The first zipper cloth is arranged with first zipper teeth, and the second zipper cloth is arranged with second zipper teeth; the retractable cloth is connected to the first zipper cloth and the second zipper cloth; the support structure is disposed close to the first zipper teeth and is disposed on an inner side of the retractable cloth; the support structure includes a supporting cloth and a support member; the supporting cloth and the retractable cloth enclose to define a receiving space, and the support member is disposed in the receiving space; a width of the support member is greater than or equal to a width of the first zipper teeth and the second zipper teeth when engaged.