Zip Slider Structure with Elastic Tab-Holder for Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing zip slider structures have complex designs and require a stamping process for assembly, leading to instability, where the slider body can disengage and serrated structures separate during user movement or jumping.
Innovation Solution
A zip slider structure with a slider body, tab-holder, and pull-tab design featuring a pivot portion between the tab-holder and slider body, and a stopping end on the tab-holder to prevent disengagement, utilizing elastic materials for secure attachment and a connecting mechanism with a slot and recess system to maintain position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional zip slider structure with sleeve and circle on hook strip is used, then the user can pull on it, but the structure cannot secure the sleeve and circle on the hook strip to limit their positions
Solution Approach 1:
The zip slider is divided into distinct functional segments: the slider body with guiding grooves for position control, the tab-holder with elastic properties for secure attachment, and the pull-tab with pivot portion for user interaction. Each segment performs a specific function, improving overall reliability while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The tab-holder acts as an intermediary component between the slider body and pull-tab. Its elastic properties allow it to mediate the connection, providing both secure attachment and controlled movement. This intermediary structure solves the position stability issue while avoiding excessive complexity by using material properties rather than complex mechanical constraints.
2Ease of operation
If the slider body is made disengageable for normal operation, then the zip can open and close, but the slider body may disengage and the serrated structures would separate when the user moves or jumps
Solution Approach 1:
The tab-holder's elastic properties create a dynamic parameter change system. During normal operation, the elastic deformation allows easy opening and closing. During sudden movements or jumps, the elastic recovery force increases to maintain engagement stability. This parameter change based on operational conditions resolves the contradiction between ease of operation and engagement stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection between slider body and pull-tab is made dynamic through the elastic tab-holder. The system adapts its engagement characteristics based on applied forces: loose during normal operation for ease of use, and tight during sudden movements for stability. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction by allowing both easy operation and reliable engagement under different conditions.
3Ease of manufacture
If a complex stamping process is used to engage the pull-tab with the slider body, then the components can be assembled, but the manufacturing process becomes complicated and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The tab-holder's elastic properties enable self-service assembly. The elastic deformation allows the tab-holder to automatically engage with the slider body and secure the pull-tab without requiring complex stamping processes or additional assembly steps. This self-service mechanism improves manufacturing efficiency by eliminating complicated assembly operations while maintaining component security.
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 design effectively prevents disengagement during user movement or jumping by securing the tab-holder and pull-tab through elastic properties and a secure attachment mechanism, ensuring the zip slider structure remains engaged with serrated structures.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing elastic materials for secure attachment
Data Source
AI summary
The instant disclosure provides a zip slider structure including a slider body, a tab-holder and a pull-tab arranged between the tab-holder and the slider body. The slider body includes a first slide portion, a second slide portion and a connecting portion including a joint recess. The first slide portion includes a first slide surface, an arranging surface, a first recess, a second recess and a first extension end. The tab-holder includes a body portion, a first bending portion extending from one end of the body portion and passing the first recess, and a second bending portion extending from the other end of the body portion. The first bending portion includes a slot joining with the first extension end, the second bending portion includes a holding end joining with the joining recess, the body portion includes an attaching member extending from the body portion and joining with the second recess.