Slider Device With Engagement Surface For Zipper End Stop
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Solution Overview
Problem
Reclosable zipper closures with slider devices have a restricted open mouth width due to the space occupied by end stops and the slider, making it difficult for adults to access the contents of flexible packages.
Innovation Solution
A slider device with a top member and spaced legs that define an open volume to allow passage of tracks, featuring internal surfaces with distinct regions to interlock and unlock profiles, and a separator plow to wedge between tracks, along with engagement surfaces to strike end stops, increasing the open mouth width by allowing the slider to straddle the end stops.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If end stops are added to prevent the slider device from falling off, then the reliability of the closure system is improved, but the open mouth width is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The slider device is designed to move beyond the traditional endpoint defined by the end stop, utilizing the engagement surface to strike the end stop and define the open position. This allows the slider to effectively operate in an extended dimensional space, converting the end stop from a limiting constraint into a reference point for maximum opening.
2Ease of manufacture
If the slider device structure is simplified, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the ability to increase open mouth width is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement surface serves multiple functions: it defines the open position by striking the end stop, provides a stopping surface for consistent positioning, and works with the separator plow to unlock profiles. This multi-functionality allows a single structural feature to address multiple requirements without adding complexity.
3Ease of operation
If the separator plow is positioned to wedge between tracks for unlocking, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The separator plow is positioned and oriented to automatically wedge between the opposing tracks when the slider device is moved in the opening direction, causing the profiles to unlock without requiring additional user action. The structure serves itself by using the sliding motion to activate the unlocking mechanism.
Data Source
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AI summary
A slider closure system includes a zipper closure with complementary profiles of opposing tracks for interlocking and unlocking; the closure a first end stop and a second end strop positioned opposite ends of the closure. A slider device is positioned on the zipper closure between and engaging the first end stop and second end stop to selectively: (i) unlock the complementary profiles as the slider device is moved along the tracks in an opening direction; and (ii) interlock the complementary profiles as the slider device is moved along the tracks in a closing direction: The slider device has a first end stop engagement surface positioned inboard from the closing end and adapted to strike the first end stop.