Zigzag Slide Fastener Element Integration During Weaving
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing slide fasteners with zigzag-type continuous fastener elements face issues with attachment strength, flexibility, and thickness, where the weft yarn is easily cut by the slider, leading to deviation of elements and difficulty in achieving a thin, smooth design.
Innovation Solution
A slide fastener design where a zigzag-type continuous fastener element row is incorporated into both edges of fastener tapes during weaving, using a single weft yarn that reciprocates and is inserted between warps to form a U-shaped engaging head and parallel leg portions, reducing the number of threads between leg portions and enhancing attachment strength while maintaining thinness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If multiple weft yarns are used to incorporate zigzag-type fastener elements, then attachment strength is improved, but the fastener becomes thicker and less smooth
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple weft yarns into a single weft yarn that incorporates both the upper and lower leg portions of the fastener elements. This single yarn travels through the warp openings and secures elements on both surfaces of the tape, achieving the attachment strength of multiple yarns while maintaining a thin, smooth fastener profile without the bulk of multiple parallel yarns.
Solution Approach 2:
The single weft yarn performs multiple functions: it incorporates upper leg portions, incorporates lower leg portions, and provides attachment strength across both surfaces of the tape. This multi-functional approach replaces what would traditionally require separate yarns for each function, reducing overall thickness while maintaining comprehensive element attachment.
2Strength
If weft yarn reciprocates multiple times between adjacent elements, then element attachment is secured, but the fastener becomes thicker and manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The weft yarn performs a continuous reciprocating motion through the warp openings in a systematic sequence, securing elements on both surfaces in an uninterrupted process. This continuous action ensures reliable element attachment while maintaining manufacturing efficiency, as the yarn follows a predetermined path that can be easily implemented on standard weaving machinery without complex interruptions or repositioning.
3Ease of operation
If conventional zigzag-type fastener elements are used, then flexibility in bending is improved, but engagement breaking occurs when bent down
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener element structure incorporates asymmetry in the positioning and securing of upper versus lower leg portions. The upper leg portions are secured at different locations than the lower leg portions, creating an asymmetric attachment pattern that allows the element to flex and bend without causing engagement breaking, while maintaining reliable attachment on both surfaces of the tape.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an incorporated slide fastener (110) that is incorporated simultaneously with the weaving of the fastener tape (130) for a zigzag-type continuous element row (121). The weft yarn (135) of the fastener tape (130) is woven with one thread traversing and doubling back in the tape width direction, forming a set of two threads, through the same openings created between the warps (133, 134, 136). The fastener elements (120) formed from a synthetic resin monofilament have: engaging heads (122) that engage with the opposing continuous element row (121); first and second leg portions (123, 124) that each extend on the first surface and the second surface of the fastener tape in the width direction of the tape from the engaging heads (122) and pinch the tape side edge therebetween; first connecting portions (125) that connect, parallel to the tape surface, first leg portions (123) that are adjacent in the longitudinal direction of the tape; and second connecting portions (126) that connect, parallel to the tape surface, second leg portions (124, 124) that are adjacent in the longitudinal direction of the tape. Of the two constituent threads (135-1, 135-2) configuring the weft yarn (135), one constituent thread (135-2) is woven diagonally straddling the first surface of a first leg portion (123) and the second surface of a second leg portion (124) of adjacent fastener elements (120).