Slide Fastener Vertical Coupling Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing slide fasteners are complicated to couple and separate, especially for users wearing gloves or children, due to intricate operation requirements and weak coupling forces, leading to difficulties in accurate alignment and easy foreign substance introduction.
Innovation Solution
A slide fastener design featuring a first and second fastener stringer coupled vertically, with a slider that allows easy insertion of the second stringer into the slider, guided by a guide protrusion and groove system, and an elastic means for automatic separation, enabling simple vertical coupling and downward separation operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the traditional slide fastener structure is used, then the fastener can be manufactured with standard components, but the coupling operation becomes complicated and difficult to perform, especially for users wearing gloves or children
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener is divided into separate components: a first stringer with a first insertion pin, a second stringer with a second insertion pin, and a slider. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using standard processes while enabling simplified coupling operations where the pins automatically guide themselves into the slider without requiring delicate manual insertion operations
Solution Approach 2:
The insertion pins serve as intermediary elements that mediate between the stringers and the slider. The pins extend from the stringers and are designed to be received by the slider, providing a simple mechanical interface that eliminates the need for complex manual manipulation during coupling operations
2Ease of manufacture
If the insertion pin structure is used, then the fastener can be assembled with separate components, but the insertion pin is difficult to insert into the slider, especially when users wear gloves or when children need to operate it
Solution Approach 1:
The insertion pins are designed to perform their own insertion function without requiring external manipulation. The pins extend from the stringers in a configuration that allows them to be directly received by the slider through simple relative movement, eliminating the need for users to perform delicate insertion operations. The structure essentially inserts itself through straightforward alignment and movement
3Adaptability or versatility
If the container shape structure is used, then the terminals can be coupled by rotation, but two continuous operations are required to couple and separate the terminals
Solution Approach 1:
The complex rotational coupling mechanism is extracted and replaced with a simpler linear insertion/retraction mechanism. Instead of requiring rotational movements and multiple continuous operations, the fastener uses insertion pins that are simply inserted into and retracted from the slider, reducing the number of operations from multiple continuous movements to simple linear motions
4Adaptability or versatility
If the guide segment and stringer coupling is used, then the structure can be flexible, but the coupling force is weak causing the second terminal to separate during use
Solution Approach 1:
The insertion pins are designed with preliminary engagement features that establish strong coupling before the fastener is subjected to use conditions. The pins are inserted and secured in advance, creating pre-established mechanical connections that maintain sufficient coupling force during subsequent use, preventing separation while allowing the necessary flexibility of the fastener structure
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 design simplifies the coupling and separation process, allowing easy operation even with gloves or by children, enhances coupling force, and reduces complexity by eliminating the need for multiple operations, improving user convenience and durability.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic means for automatic separation
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A slide fastener of the present invention includes: a first fastener stringer; a second fastener stringer; and a slider which couples or separates the first and second fastener stringers, in which the second fastener stringer separated from the slider is inserted into the slider wherein the first fastener stringer and the second fastener stringer are coupled in a vertical direction. Accordingly, a row of fastener elements of the second fastener stringer separated from the slider is inserted into the slider by first and second fastening members when a fixing pin and an insertion pin are coupled in a vertical direction, and as a result, the coupling operation is convenient.