Slide Fastener Coupling Elements Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional slide fasteners face issues with foreign material accumulation, rough edges, limited flexibility, and unsightly designs due to interdigitation of coupling elements, which can damage garments and reduce the strength of the fastener.
Innovation Solution
The slide fastener features coupling elements with a 'close-packing' arrangement on the front face and interdigitation on the rear, providing a sleek appearance while maintaining strength and flexibility, with waterproofing features for use in inclement conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If coupling elements are interdigitated to ensure sufficient closing of the slide fastener, then the closure strength is improved, but the visible appearance becomes limited and the flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling element is divided into two distinct portions: a first portion that provides the interdigitating closure mechanism on the rear face, and a second portion that provides the flat, smooth front face. This segmentation allows each portion to serve its specific function independently, resolving the contradiction between closure strength and appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The interdigitating portions of the coupling elements are extracted to the rear face of the slide fastener, removing them from the visible front face. This extraction allows the front face to have a simple, smooth appearance while the rear face contains the complex interlocking mechanism needed for strong closure.
2Strength
If coupling elements are interdigitated to ensure sufficient closing of the slide fastener, then the closure strength is improved, but the flexibility of the slide fastener in the closed position is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the coupling element into a rigid interdigitating portion (first portion) and a flat front portion (second portion), the invention allows the interlocking mechanism to provide strong closure while the flat portions maintain flexibility and allow the fastener to bend when closed.
3Reliability
If conventional coupling elements are used, then the closure mechanism is functional, but foreign materials can accumulate and damage the closure mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of having the coupling elements interdigitate on the front face where they are visible and accessible, the invention inverts the arrangement by placing the interdigitating portions on the rear face. This inversion makes the closure mechanism less accessible to foreign materials while maintaining its functionality.
4Strength
If metal teeth are used as coupling elements, then the closure strength is improved, but rough edges are created that can damage garments
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling element is segmented into a functional interdigitating portion (first portion) that can be made of metal for strength, and a smooth front-facing portion (second portion) that is flat and free of rough edges. This segmentation allows the fastener to maintain strong closure while preventing garment damage from rough edges.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
A slide fastener is provided. Each of a pair of first (2) and second (3) stringers includes a tape (5a, 5b) and a row of coupling elements mounted on a longitudinal edge of the tape. Each of the coupling elements comprises a first non- connecting portion (8) at an upper side of the tape and a second connecting portion at a lower side of the tape. The second connecting portion comprises a head portion and a body portion. The head portion is engageable with a head portion of opposing coupling element. The body portion is fixed to the tape.