Silica-Coated Slide Fastener for Engagement Strength
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing slide fasteners face a challenge in maintaining engagement strength while ensuring smooth operation of the slider, as stiffening the fastener elements and core strings for increased strength can hinder slider functionality.
Innovation Solution
Applying silica to the core sections and fastener elements, along with a softening agent to the tapes, and using an anti-bleeding agent and fluorine compound, which also allows for pattern dyeing and water/oil repellency, enhances friction and flexibility, thereby improving engagement strength without compromising slider operability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If lacquer is applied to fastener tapes and core strings to stiffen them, then engagement strength is improved, but slider operability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies silica specifically to the core strings and fastener elements rather than the entire fastener assembly. This localized application provides friction enhancement at the engagement interface while leaving the fastener tapes sufficiently flexible for slider operation. The selective coating strategy resolves the contradiction by applying stiffening only where engagement strength is needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical-chemical parameters of the core strings and fastener elements by applying silica coating, which increases surface friction and engagement strength. Simultaneously, the fastener tapes are treated with softening agents to maintain their flexibility. This parameter differentiation allows the system to achieve both high engagement strength and good slider operability.
2Strength
If the contact area of fastener elements is increased, then engagement strength is improved, but engagement and disengagement smoothness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies silica to the surfaces of fastener elements to increase surface friction, which enhances engagement strength without requiring an increase in contact area. This allows the fastener elements to maintain their original geometry for smooth operation while achieving improved engagement strength through enhanced surface properties.
3Strength
If the distance between fastener elements is decreased, then engagement strength is improved, but engagement and disengagement smoothness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses silica coating on fastener elements to enhance surface friction, which compensates for the need to decrease spacing between elements. This allows optimal spacing to be maintained for smooth slider operation while achieving improved engagement strength through enhanced surface friction properties.
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 application of silica increases frictional forces between threads and fastener elements, enhancing thrust-up strength and engagement while maintaining slider operability, and the softening agent and fluorine compound improve flexibility and printing quality.
Implementation Method 1
as the silica is applied to the core sections of the fastener tapes, it is possible to increase the frictional force between threads that form the portions of the fastener tapes in the vicinity of the core sections, thereby preventing the posture of the fastener elements attached to the core sections from being changed. In addition, as the silica is applied to the surfaces of the fastener elements, it is possible to increase the frictional force between the engaged fastener elements, thereby improving the thrust-up strength.
Implementation Method 2
softening agent is applied to the pair of fastener tapes
Implementation Method 3
fluorine compound is applied to the pair of fastener tapes
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a slide fastener. A pair of core sections are respectively provided along opposing tape side edge portions of a pair of fastener tapes. A pair of fastener element rows are respectively attached to the pair of core sections. Each of the pair of fastener element rows includes a plurality of fastener elements made of metal. Silica is applied to surfaces of the core sections and the fastener elements.