Zip Fastener Gutter for Bicycle Cargo Pack Water Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing zip fasteners for cargo packs on bicycles allow rainwater to penetrate through a small gap at the end of the zip tracks, even when closed, due to incomplete sealing, which can compromise the water-resistance of the pack.
Innovation Solution
A zip fastener design featuring a gutter component made from a water-impermeable material, secured to the article's interior surface on either side and end of the zip tracks, with a drain hole to direct water away from the pack's interior, ensuring a watertight seal even when the slider is not fully engaged.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a zip fastener is used to close the opening in a cargo pack, then the opening can be securely closed, but a small gap remains at the end of the zip tracks where water can penetrate
Solution Approach 1:
A gutter component is introduced as an intermediary element between the zip tracks and the article material. This gutter component collects water that penetrates through the zip track gap and channels it away from the pack interior, preventing direct water ingress while maintaining the simplicity of the zip fastening system.
Solution Approach 2:
The water protection system is segmented into distinct functional components: the zip fastener for closing the opening, the gutter component for collecting and channeling water, and the drain hole for evacuating water from the pack interior. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally without compromising the overall system.
2Reliability
If the zip tracks are designed to engage completely, then water penetration is prevented, but the slider cannot be fully engaged with the tracks
Solution Approach 1:
The gap between the zip tracks at the end of the fastener, which originally represents a failure of sealing, is converted into a beneficial feature by positioning the gutter component to collect water in this exact region. The drain hole is positioned to receive water from the gutter, transforming the potential leakage path into a controlled water management system.
3Reliability
If a gutter component is added to prevent water penetration, then water-resistance is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gutter component is formed as a thin, flexible element that can be integrated into the article material without adding significant structural bulk. This allows the gutter to effectively channel water while maintaining the flexibility and simplicity of the overall pack structure, avoiding the need for rigid or complex water management systems.
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 solution effectively prevents rainwater from entering the cargo pack by channeling it through the gutter and out via the drain hole, making the pack substantially watertight, even when the zip fastener is closed.
Implementation Method 1
a drain hole in the material of the article providing a flow path from the gutter to the exterior of the article
Data Source
AI summary
A zip fastener is provided for opening and closing and opening in an article such as a cargo pack for mounting on a bicycle. The zip fastener comprises zip tracks and a slider which is movable between opened and closed positions. In the closed position, the slider is accommodated within a hood. A gutter component is secured to the inside face of the pack and defines a gutter which can receive water, such as rainwater, leaking past the zip tracks in the region of the closed position of the slider. A drain hole is provided which allows liquid accumulating in the gutter to pass to the exterior of the pack. This measure prevents rainwater and the like from reaching the contents of the pack.