Zip Fastener Stringer Tape Waterproofing via Thermofusible Filaments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing waterproof and fire-retardant zip fasteners often require additional layers or materials that limit color options, are prone to degradation from slider movement, and are wasteful in manufacturing, while also posing challenges in stitching due to waterproofing materials.
Innovation Solution
The use of bicomponent yarns with thermofusible and carrier filaments, where the thermofusible filaments melt and integrate into a matrix upon heat application, creating a waterproof or fire-retardant stringer tape that can be woven in various configurations and colors, allowing for seamless integration with fabric panels and reduced material waste.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional waterproof layers or materials are added to the zip fastener, then waterproof performance is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing waste increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the waterproofing function directly into the stringer tape by incorporating a waterproof coating layer onto the tape substrate. This merges the structural support function of the tape with the waterproofing function, eliminating the need for separate waterproof layers and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliable waterproof performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite material construction for the stringer tape, combining a tape substrate (fabric, plastic, or metal) with a waterproof coating layer. This composite structure integrates multiple functions (structural support and waterproofing) into a single component, reducing the number of separate parts needed and simplifying the overall zip fastener assembly.
2Reliability
If additional waterproof layers are added to the zip fastener, then waterproof performance is improved, but manufacturing waste increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the waterproofing function into the stringer tape itself through a coating layer, the patent eliminates the need for separate waterproof layers that would require additional materials. This reduces material waste during manufacturing while achieving the same waterproof performance, as the waterproofing is applied only where needed on the tape surface.
3Reliability
If thermofusible filaments are used in the stringer tape, then waterproof performance is improved, but stitching difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the waterproof coating containing thermofusible filaments selectively to the stringer tape surface where waterproofing is most critical. This local application ensures waterproof performance at the sealing interface while minimizing the impact on stitching areas, making the tape easier to sew to fabric panels compared to fully coated solutions.
4Reliability
If a waterproof coating layer is applied to the stringer tape, then waterproof performance is improved, but color options are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses thermofusible filaments in the waterproof coating that can be activated at specific temperatures. By controlling the heating parameters during application, the coating can be melted and bonded to the tape surface. The choice of thermofusible material allows for various color options while maintaining waterproof functionality, as different colored thermofusible polymers can be used without compromising the sealing performance.
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 provides waterproof or fire-retardant zip fasteners that are durable, versatile in color options, less susceptible to wear, and easier to manufacture, with improved stitching compatibility and reduced material waste, while maintaining effective sealing performance.
Implementation Method 1
the thermofusible filaments and therefore the thermofusible ply of each yarn melts and pervades through a woven matrix of carrier plies
Implementation Method 2
When heat is applied to the tape, and thus yarn used to weave the tape, the thermofusible filaments and therefore the thermofusible ply of each yarn melts
Data Source
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Figure 3
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AI summary
A zip comprises: a pair of stringer tapes (10, 12), each of which supports a row of teeth (14, 16); the teeth on the two tapes being mutually opposing and capable of interdigitation thereby to fasten one stringer tape to another; a slider (20), adapted to move along and whose motion is guided by the rows of teeth, the slider being adapted to cause interdigitation of the teeth as a result of motion along the teeth in a first direction, and to disconnect the teeth by motion along the teeth in a second direction; wherein the first and second stringer tapes are formed of a matrix of threads interspersed with a waterproof material.