Zip Fastener Sealing Integrity via Docking Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing zip fasteners compromise the sealing integrity when used to fasten panels of fabric that perform a sealing function, such as seat covers or mattress covers, allowing unwanted passage of substances like bed bugs.
Innovation Solution
A zip fastener design incorporating a docking member and a slider with a locking mechanism, featuring cooperable elements like hooks and loops, and resilient coatings to ensure a high-integrity seal by interdigitating teeth and engaging surfaces, preventing passage between fabric panels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional zip fastener is used to fasten fabric panels, then the fastening function is achieved, but the sealing integrity is compromised allowing passage of substances like bed bugs
Solution Approach 1:
The zip fastener is segmented into distinct functional zones: a sealing zone with interdigitating teeth that interlock to prevent passage, and a fastening zone with slider mechanism. The sealing tape extends beyond the slider to provide additional sealing margin, separating the sealing function from the fastening function to maintain integrity while enabling operation.
Solution Approach 2:
A docking member with sealing surface acts as an intermediary between the slider and the fabric panels. This docking member provides a sealed interface that bridges the gap between the moving slider and the stationary fabric, ensuring continuous sealing during the fastening operation without compromising integrity.
2Reliability
If the zip fastener includes a docking member and locking mechanism to improve sealing, then sealing integrity is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The docking member combines multiple functions into a single component: it provides the sealing surface, houses the locking mechanism, and interfaces with both the slider and fabric panels. The locking mechanism integrates the docking member to the slider, merging fastening and sealing functions. This consolidation enhances sealing integrity while minimizing the increase in overall structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The docking member serves multiple purposes: it creates the seal between fabric panels, provides the locking interface for the slider, and maintains structural integrity during fastening operations. This multi-functionality allows enhanced sealing without proportionally increasing device complexity, as one component performs multiple critical roles.
3Reliability
If resilient coatings are applied to ensure high-integrity seal, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Resilient coatings are applied to the sealing surfaces of the teeth and docking member to change the surface properties. These coatings provide compliance and conformability that enhance sealing effectiveness by adapting to minor variations in fabric thickness and surface irregularities. The parameter change at the surface level (adding resilient properties) achieves improved sealing without fundamentally altering the manufacturing process of the base components.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5A~6B
AI summary
A zip fastener comprises two opposing and mutually engageable rows of zip teeth (10,12) each being mounted upon a respective stringer tape (20,22); first and second sliders (130,132) movably mounted upon the teeth (10,12), each slider (130,132) being movable forward along the teeth (10,12) to cause interdigitation of the teeth (10,12) thereby to fasten the zip and backwards to cause extradigitation and unfastening of the zip, the sliders (130,132) being mounted on the teeth (10,12) in opposing directions such that motion of the sliders (130,132) towards and away from each other results in the same action (e.g. fastening or unfastening) on the zip teeth (10,12); a docking member (150), mounted upon the teeth (10,12) and being movable along the teeth (10,12), the docking member (150) being mounted between the two sliders (130,132); and each slider (130,132) being engageable with the docking member (150) thereby to fasten the zip.