Tab Pull Design for Fastener with Integrated Fitting Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fastener tab pulls require multiple materials and processes, increasing manufacturing costs and complexity, while improvements for reduced processes compromise structural strength and operability.
Innovation Solution
A tab pull design featuring a gripping portion, slider connection portion, engaged portion, and engagement portion, all made of the same material, allowing for a single-piece integration through a fitting mechanism that forms an annular shape, enhancing structural strength and ease of installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If multiple materials are used for different parts of the tab pull (cord for slider connection, resin for gripping portion), then the structural strength and operability are improved, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple materials (cord and resin) into a single integrated tab pull component. The cord forms the slider connection portion and loop, while the resin is injection-molded directly onto the cord to form the gripping portion and engagement features, eliminating the need for separate assembly of multiple components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite construction where a cord (flexible material) is combined with resin (rigid material) to create a tab pull that leverages the advantages of both materials - the flexibility and elasticity of the cord for looping and attachment, and the rigidity and moldability of resin for the gripping portion and structural features.
2Reliability
If multiple manufacturing processes are used for different parts of the tab pull, then the quality and functionality are improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple manufacturing steps into a single injection molding process. The cord is first formed into the desired shape, then resin is injection-molded directly onto the cord in the same manufacturing cycle, producing the complete tab pull assembly in one operation rather than requiring separate manufacturing and assembly steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The cord is pre-formed into the desired configuration (loop, slider connection portion, engagement portion) before the resin injection molding process begins. This preliminary preparation allows the resin to be molded directly onto the pre-positioned cord, ensuring proper alignment and reducing the need for additional assembly operations.
3Ease of manufacture
If the tab pull structure is simplified to reduce manufacturing processes, then the manufacturing cost decreases, but the structural strength and operability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the gripping portion, slider connection portion, and engagement features into a single monolithic component formed by injection molding resin onto the cord. This unified structure eliminates weak points that would exist at junctions between separately manufactured parts, while maintaining all necessary functional features.
Solution Approach 2:
The composite construction of cord and resin provides both manufacturing simplicity and structural strength. The cord provides flexibility and elasticity for the looping and attachment functions, while the resin provides rigidity and structural integrity for the gripping portion and engagement features, creating a lightweight yet strong component.
4Ease of manufacture
If a single-material, integrally formed tab pull is used, then the manufacturing processes and costs are reduced, but the structural strength and operability need to be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different material properties to different regions of the tab pull by injection-molding resin onto specific portions of the cord. The gripping portion uses resin to provide a rigid, easy-to-grasp surface, while the slider connection portion and loop retain the cord's flexibility and elasticity, optimizing the local properties for each functional requirement.
Solution Approach 2:
The composite construction allows the tab pull to exhibit both rigidity (from resin) and flexibility (from cord) within a single integrated component. The resin provides structural stability for the gripping portion, while the cord provides the necessary flexibility for forming loops and attaching to sliders, ensuring both manufacturability and operability.
Data Source
AI summary
A tab pull is adapted to be installed on the slider, and includes: a gripping portion, which is configured in a sheet shape; a slider connection portion, which extends outward from a front end of the gripping portion and is adapted to pass through a tab pull installation portion of the slider; an engaged portion, which is located on one of the side surfaces of the gripping portion in a width direction; and an engagement portion, which is extending outward from an end portion of the slider connection portion. The engagement portion is fitted into the engaged portion along the side surface of the gripping portion, so that the slider connection portion is closed to form an annular shape.