Slide Fastener Slider Structure for Hidden String Pull Tabs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing slide fastener sliders with string pull tabs suffer from design incongruence due to exposed string portions, resulting in a perceived thickness and lack of aesthetic appeal.

Innovation Solution

A slide fastener slider design that incorporates a string attachment structure with folded portions and recessed grooves, allowing the string to be hidden beneath the surface, integrated with the slider body, and secured through raised portions and recesses to maintain design integrity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the string-like member is wound around the second member to form a pull tab, then the convenience of attachment is improved, but the string portion becomes exposed on the surface resulting in poor design appearance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconvenience of pull tab attachmentVSAvoiddesign appearance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The string-like member is nested within the pull tab attachment portion by passing it through the pull tab insertion path and securing it between the first members. The string is positioned inside the structural boundaries of the attachment portion rather than being exposed on the outer surface, allowing the functional elements to be contained within the aesthetic form.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The pull tab insertion path acts as an intermediary structure that guides and conceals the string-like member. By providing a dedicated pathway through the second member and between the first members, the string is medially positioned within the attachment structure, preventing direct exposure on the slider surface while maintaining attachment functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the string-like member is wound over the pull tab attachment portion, then the pull tab can be attached, but the thickness of the slider increases due to stacked layers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepull tab attachment capabilityVSAvoidslider thickness

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of winding the string-like member in a manner that creates stacked layers in the thickness direction, the invention routes the string through the pull tab insertion path that extends in the longitudinal direction of the slider. The string passes between the first members and around the second member in a planar configuration, utilizing the length and width dimensions of the attachment portion rather than adding to its thickness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The string-like member is nested within the three-dimensional space defined by the pull tab attachment portion structure. By positioning the string inside the boundaries formed by the first and second members and routing it through the insertion path, the string occupies internal volume rather than extending the external dimensions, particularly the thickness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Ease of manufacture

If the string-like member is exposed on the upper surface of the pull tab attachment portion, then attachment is simplified, but the knot becomes conspicuous affecting aesthetics

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment simplicityVSAvoidsurface appearance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The pull tab insertion path serves as an intermediary structure that guides the string-like member through the attachment portion and conceals the knot-forming region. The path provides a defined route that keeps the string and its knot hidden within the structural boundaries of the attachment portion, preventing direct exposure on the slider's upper surface while maintaining attachment functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The knot of the string-like member is nested within the pull tab attachment portion by routing the string through the insertion path and securing it between the first members. The knot is positioned inside the structural envelope of the attachment portion rather than being exposed on the outer surface, allowing the functional element to be contained within the aesthetic form.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS20260000160A1Slider for slide fastener and method for manufacturing same

Publication Date: 2026.01.01 YKK CORP

AI summary

A slide fastener slider includes a slider body in which an upper blade and a lower blade are connected to each other, a pull tab, and a string attachment structure. The slider body includes a pull tab attachment portion formed on the upper blade, the pull tab attachment portion includes a pair of left and right first members protruding from an upper surface of the upper blade and a second member configured to connect the pair of left and right first members, and a pull tab insertion path is provided between the second member and the upper blade. At least a part of the pull tab is provided with a string-like member. The string-like member of the pull tab and the string attachment structure are disposed in the pull tab insertion path.