Zip Slider Lock Mechanism with Recessed Release Button

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing self-locking zip sliders do not allow for the application of logos or decorative elements on the visible portion while maintaining the self-locking functionality and preventing accidental openings.

Innovation Solution

The design eliminates the operating pull tab and incorporates a release button slidably mounted in the slider body, allowing for intentional unlocking of the lock mechanism while enabling decorative elements on the slider's visible surface.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a pull tab and bridge structure are provided for self-locking functionality, then the zip fastener can be reliably locked and prevented from accidental opening, but the visible surface of the slider becomes cluttered and cannot accommodate logos or decorative elements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveself-locking functionalityVSAvoidaesthetic appearance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The bridge structure and pull tab are completely removed from the slider design. Instead, a recessed button is provided directly on the slider body that interacts with the lock mechanism internally. This extraction of the external bridge structure eliminates the visual clutter while maintaining the self-locking functionality through the recessed button mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Ease of operation

If a pull tab is provided for operating the lock mechanism, then the slider can be easily operated to open the zip, but the pull tab may be moved unintentionally causing accidental opening of the zip fastener

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation of lock mechanismVSAvoidprevention of accidental opening

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of providing a protruding pull tab that can be accidentally caught or moved, the invention inverts the approach by providing a recessed button that must be deliberately pressed. The lock mechanism is actuated by pushing the button inward rather than by pulling an external tab, making accidental activation highly unlikely while maintaining ease of intentional operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Device complexity

If protruding elements like bridge and appendices are provided on the slider surface, then the lock mechanism can be implemented, but the slider surface cannot be used for decorative purposes or logo application

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelock mechanism structureVSAvoidaesthetic customization

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The lock mechanism components are nested within the slider body itself. The button is recessed into the slider, and the lock mechanism elements are contained within internal cavities and channels of the slider body. This nesting approach allows the lock mechanism to function while keeping the external surface clean and available for decorative elements or logos.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS12213565B2Slider for zip fasteners

Publication Date: 2025.02.04 BOTTONIFICIO BAP SPA

AI summary

A zip slider (1) is described comprising a slider body (110); a lock mechanism (200) for locking the sliding movement of the slider (1) that is positioned in the slider body (110) and comprising a movable stop element (210) for stopping the sliding movement of the slider (1) in a longitudinal direction and in the zip opening direction and a release button (300) for unlocking the lock mechanism (200), slidably mounted in the slider body (110) and manually operable to unlock the lock mechanism (200).