Single-Finger Zipper Slider with Inverted Teeth

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional zippers require two hands to operate due to outward-oriented shear forces, making it difficult for users with limited dexterity or in situations where one hand is occupied, such as hunting or carrying objects.

Innovation Solution

A single-finger zipper design with a slider configured to vertically interlock teeth, allowing a user to connect and disconnect the zipper using a single finger by applying pressure to the slider's top surface, reducing shear stress and enabling operation with one hand.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional zipper design with outward-oriented teeth is used, then the zipper provides reliable connection strength, but it requires two hands to operate due to shear forces

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveNumber of hands required to operate zipperVSAvoidShear force on material edges

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional zipper tooth orientation by having teeth face toward the centerline rather than outward. This reversal changes the force direction from lateral shear to vertical compression, enabling single-finger operation while maintaining connection strength

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the orientation parameter of the teeth from outward-facing to centerline-facing, which fundamentally alters the mechanical force requirements from two-handed lateral manipulation to single-finger vertical pressing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If conventional zipper design is used, then the structure is simple and reliable, but it causes strain on material edges during operation

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveStrain on material edgesVSAvoidConnection strength of zipper

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

By inverting the tooth orientation to face the centerline, the force application shifts from lateral shear (which strains material edges) to vertical compression (which strengthens the connection without straining edges)

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Reliability

If conventional zipper with lateral force operation is used, then the teeth interlock reliably, but it is difficult to operate with limited dexterity

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveTeeth interlocking reliabilityVSAvoidOperability with limited dexterity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The inverted tooth configuration changes the operation from lateral sliding requiring dexterity to vertical pressing that can be performed with minimal finger movement, greatly improving operability for users with limited dexterity while maintaining reliable interlocking

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The vertical pressing mechanism allows the slider to self-align and engage the teeth automatically when pressed downward, reducing the dexterity required compared to manual lateral manipulation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS11058188B2Single-finger zippers

Publication Date: 2021.07.13 DHADWAL RAJ

AI summary

A fastening system, apparatus, and/or device for interlocking a first zipper tooth and a second zipper tooth. The fastening system, apparatus, and/or device may include a slider configured to vertically interconnect a first zipper tooth with a second zipper tooth, the slider comprising a bottom zipper receptacle including a first channel at a bottom portion of the slider and extending from a back of the slider to a front of the slider, a top zipper receptacle including a second channel at a top portion of the slider and extending from a back of the slider to the front of the slider, and a finger holder extending along a top surface of the slider where the finger holder has a concave shape that is configured to receive a finger of a user.