Slide Fastener Sealing With Removable Actuated Fluid Seal
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing slide fasteners, such as zippers, fail to effectively prevent the passage of liquids and gases in applications where waterproofing is crucial, lacking sufficient sealing capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A slide fastener sealing system with a separating slide fastener and a removable sealing member, featuring a deformable sealing body, connector, and actuator, which forms a fluid-tight seal by expanding to conform to the fastener's side seals, resisting fluid penetration up to 6.5 PSI for 20 seconds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional slide fastener is used, then the fastening function is provided, but the sealing capability against liquids and gases is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing system is divided into separate functional components: a sealing member with sealing body, a connector with resilient hook, and a sealing body actuator. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while working together to provide effective sealing, resolving the contradiction between sealing capability and structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector acts as an intermediary element between the sealing member and the slide fastener, using a resilient hook to attach the sealing member to the fastener structure. This intermediary component enables the sealing function to be integrated with the fastening function without requiring a complete redesign of the fastener system.
2Reliability
If a sealing member is added to the slide fastener, then fluid penetration is prevented, but the ease of operation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing body actuator is designed to be automatically actuated by the normal operation of the slide fastener. When the slider moves along the fastening elements, it automatically triggers the actuator to expand the sealing body into the sealing zone, eliminating the need for separate sealing operations and maintaining ease of use while ensuring reliable sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing body is designed to be deformable and dynamic, changing its volume and shape in response to actuation. The sealing body transitions from a compressed state to an expanded state that conforms to the sealing zone geometry, providing effective sealing without requiring complex rigid structures that would hinder operation.
3Reliability
If the sealing body is made deformable to conform to the sealing zone, then the sealing effectiveness is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing body's physical parameters, particularly its volume and shape, are changed through actuation rather than requiring precise manufacturing. The actuator expands the sealing body to the required dimensions and configuration, allowing the sealing zone geometry to be accommodated through parameter change rather than precision manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing body is constructed as a deformable element that can conform to the sealing zone geometry through elastic deformation. This flexible approach allows the sealing body to adapt to variations in sealing zone geometry without requiring extremely tight manufacturing tolerances, as the material itself provides the conformity through its deformability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the sealing member is made removable, then the adaptability is improved, but the reliability of the seal may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is pre-configured with a resilient hook that automatically engages with the slide fastener structure during assembly. This preliminary configuration ensures that when the sealing member is installed, it is securely attached without requiring additional fastening operations, maintaining seal integrity while allowing for removable installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The removable nature of the sealing member is achieved through a dynamic attachment system where the resilient hook can engage and disengage from the slide fastener. This dynamic connection provides secure attachment during use ensuring seal integrity, while allowing for easy removal and reconfiguration when needed, thus balancing reliability with adaptability.
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 system provides a reliable, removable seal that prevents fluid penetration, maintaining waterproof integrity in applications involving liquids and gases, enhancing the performance of slide fasteners in garments and other systems.
Implementation Method 1
a deformable sealing body (1022) selective deformable expansion thereof by sliding a thicker portion (1044) of the sealing body actuator (1024) into the sealing body (1022) to conform to the side seals (1012) and resist fluid penetration therethrough
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A slide fastener sealing system and related methods. In one example, the slide fastener sealing system includes a separating slide fastener in which a first end overlaps and is secured to a second end such that a sealing zone is located between the overlapping ends of the slide fastener. The sealing system also includes in this example a sealing member that can be secured to the slide fastener in a removable fashion with a portion of the sealing member located in the sealing zone to seal against fluid penetration through the sealing zone.