Slider Pull Tab Attachment Using Dovetail Blocking Member

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sliders for slide fasteners face issues with easy assembly, risk of pull tab detachment under strong forces, and complexity in manufacturing, particularly due to the need for crimping and potential jamming of other members like cloth pieces.

Innovation Solution

A pull tab post-attaching slider design where the pull tab attachment rod is fixed in cantilever fashion on the slider body with a blocking member that uses dovetail grooves and fitting engagement structures to securely attach the pull tab, allowing for easy assembly and preventing deformation and jamming.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the pull tab attachment rod is fixed immovably at predetermined positions on the upper blade, then the pull tab is securely attached, but various pull tabs different in color, pattern, shape cannot be freely attached and the pull tab cannot be arbitrarily substituted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment securityVSAvoidpull tab substitutability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The slider is divided into separable components: the slider body with the pull tab attachment rod, and the pull tab with its attachment shaft. The attachment mechanism allows the pull tab to be detached and reattached, enabling substitution while maintaining secure attachment during use. The pull tab receiving space and closure body create a modular attachment system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment state transitions from a fixed state (when the closure body is engaged) to a movable state (when the closure body is opened). The closure body can be opened to allow pull tab removal and closing to secure the new pull tab, providing dynamic adaptability while maintaining reliability during operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the closure body is used to close the insertion gap after pull tab attachment, then the pull tab can be securely fixed, but the structure becomes complex with multiple components (closure body, sliding path, guide pieces)

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepull tab fixationVSAvoidassembly structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The closure body integrates multiple functions: it closes the insertion gap, secures the pull tab attachment rod, and prevents pull tab detachment. The sliding path and guide pieces are integrated into the slider body structure, reducing the need for separate components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The closure body serves multiple purposes: it acts as a securing mechanism for the pull tab, a closure for the insertion gap, and a structural element that maintains the integrity of the slider assembly. The sliding path provides both guidance and structural support.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If conventional crimping methods are used to fix the pull tab attachment rod, then the attachment is secure, but the manufacturing process becomes complex and other members like cloth pieces may get jammed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment strengthVSAvoidmanufacturing process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The crimping mechanical process is replaced with a molded integration system. The pull tab attachment rod is integrally molded with the slider body in cantilever fashion, eliminating the need for separate crimping operations and reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining attachment strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The pull tab attachment rod is pre-formed with the slider body through integral molding before final assembly. This preliminary integration ensures proper positioning and structural strength without requiring complex post-assembly crimping operations that could jam other members.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Reliability

If the pull tab attachment rod is made with complex structures to prevent detachment under strong forces, then the reliability improves, but the weight increases and deformation risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresistance to detachmentVSAvoidslider weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The slider components are made from synthetic resin materials that provide high strength-to-weight ratio. The integral molding process creates a composite structure that is both lightweight and resistant to detachment forces, avoiding the need for heavier metal components or complex reinforcement structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentUS9220323B2Slider provided with handle at rear for slide fastener

Publication Date: 2015.12.29 YKK CORP

AI summary

There is provided a pull tab post-attaching slider for a slide fastener. An upper blade of a slider body includes a first mounting portion. A free end portion of a pull tab attachment rod includes a second mounting portion. A blocking member includes a first mounted portion mounted on the first mounting portion and a second mounted portion mounted on the second mounting portion. One of the first mounting portion and the first mounted portion includes a first dovetail groove portion and the other includes a first fitting engagement portion having a first fitting engagement structure fitted into the first dovetail groove portion. One of the second mounting portion and the second mounted portion includes a second dovetail groove portion and the other includes a second fitting engagement portion having a second fitting engagement structure fitted into the second dovetail groove portion.