Slider Stop Mechanism Design for Fastener Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sliders for slide fasteners face challenges in moldability, assembly workability, and cost due to the need for complex guide grooves and multiple components, which increase production costs and complexity.

Innovation Solution

A slider design featuring a stop pawl body with swingable upper and lower arm portions, an open and close member that blocks the tab insertion gap, and a single plate spring member for urging, allowing for simpler assembly and reduced component count, enabling easier attachment of tabs without complex guide grooves.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a sliding member with complex guide grooves is provided to enable tab attachment, then the tab can be attached afterward, but the moldability deteriorates and production cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetab attachment capabilityVSAvoidmoldability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the guide groove structure from the slider body and replaces it with a tab guide member that has a simple insertion portion. This allows the tab attachment function to be achieved without the complex guide grooves that deteriorated moldability, thereby resolving the contradiction between adaptability and ease of manufacture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention segments the tab attachment function into a separate tab guide member that works in conjunction with the stop pawl body. This segmentation allows each component to have a simple structure while collectively achieving the tab attachment capability, improving moldability without sacrificing functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If multiple urging members are provided for the stop pawl body and sliding member, then the stop mechanism functions properly, but the component count increases and assembly complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestop mechanism functionVSAvoidcomponent count
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the urging functions into a single urging member that provides the necessary elastic force for the stop pawl body's operation. This reduces the component count from multiple urging members to one, simplifying the device while maintaining the reliability of the stop mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single urging member is designed to perform multiple functions: urging the stop pawl body for stop mechanism operation and providing elastic force for the tab guide member's engagement. This multi-functionality reduces the overall component count while maintaining system reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a sliding member is fitted to slide on the upper blade, then the tab can be attached afterward, but the assembly workability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetab attachment capabilityVSAvoidassembly workability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the sliding member from the assembly and replaces it with a tab guide member that has a simple insertion portion. This allows the tab to be attached afterward without the complex sliding mechanism, significantly improving assembly workability while maintaining tab attachment capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of having the sliding member slide on the upper blade as in conventional designs, the invention inverts the approach by having the tab guide member's insertion portion engage with a simple portion of the upper blade. This inversion simplifies the assembly process while achieving the same functional result.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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

The design enhances moldability, reduces production costs, and simplifies assembly, allowing for cost-effective production of sliders with a stop mechanism while maintaining functionality.

Implementation Method 1

a plate spring member which urges the stop pawl body; the stop pawl body is urged toward the upper blade

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

an open and close member which is disposed so that a rear end part of the open and close member is swingable up and down between a blocking position at which the tab insertion gap is blocked and the attaching shaft portion of the tab is passed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP3549477B1Slider for slide fastener
Publication Date: 2023.03.29 YKK CORP
  • EP3549477B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3549477B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3549477B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A slider (1) is provided with a tab insertion gap (16) between an upper blade (20) of a slider body (10, 10a) and a free end portion (33) of a cover body (30, 30a) and an open and close member (50, 50a) for opening and closing the tab insertion gap (16). The open and close member (50, 50a) is disposed alongside a stop pawl body (40, 40a) in the slider width direction, and is also disposed such that a rear end part of the open and close member (50, 50a) can swing vertically between a passing position where a attaching shaft portion (71) of a tab (70) passes through and a blocking position where the passing of the attaching shaft portion (71) of the tab (70) is blocked. The open and close member (50, 50a) is urged toward the blocking position. The slider (1) can attach the tab (70) afterward, has a stop mechanism, and can significantly reduce manufacturing costs.