Two-Slider Zipper Assembly for Easy Mattress Cover Closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prior art single-slider zippers used in mattress covers and similar applications are difficult for consumers to operate multiple times due to their design focusing on lateral strength rather than usability, often requiring precise alignment and skill to close, and are typically of low quality, intended for single use.
Innovation Solution
A slide fastener with two sliders positioned top-to-top and pin/box assemblies at each end, allowing independent movement of sliders for easier operation and alignment, with one stringer sewn to the bottom half and the other to the top half of the mattress cover, enabling easier removal and laundering of the top half.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a single slider is used to reduce device complexity and cost, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates due to requiring precise alignment and skill to close
Solution Approach 1:
The single slider is divided into two separate sliders that can operate independently on the same zipper tape. This segmentation allows each slider to be operated separately, eliminating the need for precise alignment between two different zipper ends, while maintaining the simplicity of a standard zipper design that is easy to manufacture.
2Ease of manufacture
If a single low quality slider is used to reduce cost, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but reliability deteriorates because the zipper can only be used once in the lifetime of the article
Solution Approach 1:
By providing two separate sliders, the system allows for selective replacement. If one slider becomes worn or damaged, only that single slider needs to be replaced rather than the entire zipper assembly. This improves reliability while keeping individual slider quality and cost manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The design enables easy replacement of individual sliders when they wear out. The top slider can be removed and replaced independently, allowing the zipper to be reused multiple times over the lifetime of the article rather than being single-use, thereby improving reliability without significantly increasing manufacturing cost.
3Manufacturing precision
If precise alignment is required to close the zipper, then manufacturing precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates as consumers lack the skill to properly close the zipper
Solution Approach 1:
The zipper is segmented into two independent closing operations using two separate sliders. Each slider can be operated independently without requiring alignment with another slider, eliminating the precision alignment requirement while maintaining manufacturing simplicity. The user can close the zipper by simply moving each slider along its own path without needing to coordinate both ends simultaneously.
4Strength
If a tight fit is required for the mattress cover, then strength is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in closing the zipper
Solution Approach 1:
The tight-fit zipper is segmented into two independently operable sliders. This allows the zipper to maintain its tight-fit structural integrity while enabling easier operation, as each slider can be moved independently without requiring the user to manipulate the entire zipper length or achieve precise alignment between ends.
Data Source
AI summary
Zippers with two sliders used for certain applications function better if the tooth pitch of the zipper teeth is extremely precise, and the pin/box assembly mounted to each end of the zipper is mounted so that the pins of each pin/box assembly are mounted on one zipper stringer and the boxes of each pin/box are mounted on the other zipper stringer. A zipper of such construction is well-suited for use in fastening a mattress cover, a boat cover, an automobile soft-top, and similar articles.