Slide Fastener Width Adjustment via Segmented Tape Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing manufacturing processes for slide fasteners require changes in equipment settings when varying the widths of fastener tapes to accommodate different applications, leading to delayed delivery and increased costs due to the need for different attachment methods and waterproof properties.
Innovation Solution
The slide fastener design includes tape members sewn in a zigzag pattern to the opposite side edge portions of the fastener tapes with sewing threads that bridge over both, allowing for easy width adjustment without altering the manufacturing apparatus settings, and features a waterproof layer on both surfaces to maintain water resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the widths of the fastener tapes are increased to cover multiple electric cords, then the coverage capability is improved, but the manufacturing cost and delivery time increase due to equipment setting changes
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener tape is divided into a fixed-width base tape and variable-width extension tapes that can be added or removed. The base tape contains the fastener element row and essential structure, while extension tapes are attached via zigzag sewing to extend the width. This segmentation allows the core manufacturing process to remain unchanged while adapting to different width requirements by simply adding or removing extension tapes.
Solution Approach 2:
The base fastener tape is designed with universal dimensions and features that can serve multiple applications. By attaching different numbers and configurations of extension tapes, the same base tape can be adapted to cover one or multiple electric cords, making the manufacturing process universally applicable to various width requirements without equipment reconfiguration.
2Ease of manufacture
If sewing threads are used to attach the slide fastener, then the attachment method is simple, but water permeates through the penetrated portions requiring additional bonding
Solution Approach 1:
A waterproof tape is introduced as an intermediary element that covers the sewing thread penetration points on the fastener tape. The waterproof tape is bonded to the fastener tape using heat sealing or adhesive, creating a barrier that prevents water from penetrating through the sewing thread holes while maintaining the simplicity of the sewing attachment method.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the widths of the fastener tapes are changed to accommodate different applications, then the adaptability is improved, but the manufacturing apparatus settings must be changed over the entire process
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener system is segmented into a standard-width base tape and variable-width extension tapes. The base tape manufacturing process remains constant and uses fixed apparatus settings, while the extension tapes are produced separately and attached via zigzag sewing. This segmentation isolates the width variation to a simple attachment step rather than requiring changes to the entire manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The extension tapes are prepared in advance with standardized dimensions and attachment features. By pre-preparing these components, the final width adjustment is achieved through a simple assembly operation rather than requiring complex real-time adjustments to the manufacturing apparatus during production.
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
This design enables rapid adaptation to customer needs by varying fastener tape widths without changing the manufacturing setup, reducing costs and ensuring consistent water resistance across different applications.
Implementation Method 1
the tape members are sewn in a zigzag sewing to the another side edge portions of the fastener tapes with the sewing threads which bridge over the fastener tapes and the tape members
Implementation Method 2
When fastener element rows are engaged with each other, the resin layers are brought into contact with or pressed against each other, thereby realizing waterproof property and water resistance
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a slide fastener with which a width of a fastener tape is changed with ease in accordance with a use of an adhesion target. A slide fastener (10) comprises: a pair of fastener tapes (20), a pair of fastener element lines (30) disposed along an opposite side edge (20a) of the pair of fastener tapes (20), a slider (40) engaging and separating the pair of fastener element lines (30), and a tape member (21) disposed in parallel along the side edge (20a) and the other side edge (20b) at an opposite side of the fastener tape (20). The tape member (21) is sewed to the other side edge (20b) of the fastener tape (20) by a sewing thread (22) laid across the fastener tape (20) and the tape member (21).