Slide Fastener Slider Nested Structure Reduces Thickness

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Solution Overview

Problem

The split-type slider body, composed of two slider members, requires a thickness for engaging portions, leading to an increase in size and potential design and cost issues.

Innovation Solution

A slide fastener slider design with a lower member, upper member, cover, and pull tab, where the upper member has recessed placement portions and the cover engages with attachment columns to reduce thickness, and a lock pin mechanism for stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If two slider members are coupled to form a split-type slider body, then assembly workability is improved, but the slider size increases due to the need for engaging portions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly workabilityVSAvoidslider size

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The upper member is nested within the lower member, with the upper member's flat plate portion fitting into a recess of the lower member. The attachment column of the lower member extends through the upper member, creating a nested structure that reduces overall slider size while maintaining assembly capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The engaging portion is repositioned from a traditional side-engagement configuration to a top-engagement configuration where the attachment column extends vertically through the upper member. This dimensional change allows the engaging portion to be located at the top surface rather than requiring lateral space, thereby reducing slider thickness and size

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of manufacture

If engaging portions are provided on both slider members, then assembly capability is maintained, but the thickness required for engaging portions causes the slider to become large

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly capabilityVSAvoidslider thickness

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The engaging portion is extracted from the traditional lateral engagement location and repositioned to the top surface of the lower member. The attachment column extends vertically through the upper member to engage with this top-mounted engaging portion, eliminating the need for thick lateral engagement structures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of having the engaging portion located on the side surfaces of the slider members as in conventional designs, the engaging portion is inverted to be located on the top surface of the lower member. This inversion allows the attachment column to extend vertically through the upper member, significantly reducing the required slider thickness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentUS20250374999A1Slider for slide fastener

Publication Date: 2025.12.11 YKK CORP

AI summary

A slide fastener slider includes: a lower member; an upper member; a cover; and a pull tab. The lower member includes a lower blade, a guide column, an upper plate portion, and an attachment column. The upper member includes a flat plate portion, an opening portion, and a placement portion. The cover includes, at an end portion thereof in the front and rear direction, an engaging portion engaged with an engaged portion provided on the attachment column. A shaft portion provided at one end of the pull tab is disposed in a space formed between the upper plate portion and the cover. The placement portion is sandwiched between the engaging portion of the cover and the upper plate portion by attaching the cover to the attachment column by engaging the engaging portion of the cover with the engaged portion of the attachment column.