Reusable Zipper System with Adhesive Inner Member

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current zipper systems are permanently attached to objects, making them difficult to remove and reuse on different objects without compromising their functionality, often requiring the purchase of new zippers and reinstallation.

Innovation Solution

A reusable zipper system comprising an inner member secured with adhesive and an outer member connected via hook-and-loop fasteners, allowing for easy installation and removal by cutting a slit through the inner member to create flaps that can be opened or closed with a zipper assembly, enabling interchangeable use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a zipper is permanently attached to an object, then the zipper maintains its functionality and stability, but it cannot be removed or reused on different objects

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovereusabilityVSAvoidfunctional integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The zipper system is divided into separate components: a reusable outer member containing the zipper assembly and a detachable inner member. This segmentation allows the outer member to be permanently attached to an object while the inner member can be removed and transferred to different objects, resolving the contradiction between reusability and functional integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

An adhesive layer is introduced as an intermediary between the inner member and the object surface. This adhesive allows the inner member to be securely attached to the object during use, ensuring functional integrity, but can be easily removed for transfer to different objects, enabling reusability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a zipper is permanently attached to an object, then the zipper remains stable and functional, but removal requires purchasing a completely new replacement zipper

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovereusabilityVSAvoidmaterial waste

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The inner member is designed to be easily detached from the object using the adhesive layer, allowing it to be recovered and reused on different objects. This eliminates the need to discard the entire zipper assembly after use, reducing material waste and the need to purchase completely new replacement zippers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Ease of operation

If a zipper is permanently attached to an object, then the zipper maintains its structural integrity, but installation and removal are complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidsystem structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the zipper into an outer member and an inner member connected by a simple adhesive mechanism, the system reduces installation complexity. The inner member can be easily attached or removed from objects without complex tools or procedures, simplifying the overall operation despite the two-part structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Adaptability or versatility

If a zipper is permanently attached to an object, then the zipper remains stable, but it cannot be easily transferred to different objects

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovetransferabilityVSAvoidattachment stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The adhesive layer serves as an intermediary that provides stable attachment during use while allowing easy removal for transfer. The adhesive maintains reliability by securing the inner member to the object firmly, but can be quickly removed to enable transfer to different objects, achieving both stability and transferability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 the selective opening and closing of flaps on various objects while allowing the zipper system to be easily removed and reused on different objects, reducing the need for new zippers and simplifying installation.

Implementation Method 1

The inner member is removably secured to an object via adhesive around an opening to be fitted with the present invention

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesive: Adhesive

Implementation Method 2

The outer member is removably secured over the inner member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHook-and-loop fastening: Velcro

Data Source

PatentUS10226107B2Reusable zipper system

Publication Date: 2019.03.12 RE U ZIP LLC

AI summary

A reusable zipper system for allowing a zipper to be installed and removed onto different objects interchangeably. The reusable zipper system generally includes an inner member and an outer member. The inner member is removably secured to an object via adhesive around an opening to be fitted with the present invention. The outer member is removably secured over the inner member. After cutting a slit through the inner member, a zipper assembly which includes zipper tracks and a zipper head may be used to selectively open or close the flaps. When desired, the inner and outer members may be removed from the object to be used elsewhere.