Zipper Barrier Assembly to Block Bed Bug and Particle Migration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional zipper assemblies leave small openings when closed, allowing particles and organisms like bed bugs to migrate through, despite efforts to restrict passage.
Innovation Solution
A barrier system is integrated with the zipper assembly, featuring a base and slider connection that forms an obstruction, preventing migration by engaging with the zipper slider to block openings greater than a certain size, and optionally includes a notification system to ensure proper closure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional zipper assembly is used to close an article, then the zipper can be opened and closed easily, but small openings remain when closed allowing particles and organisms to migrate through
Solution Approach 1:
A barrier component is introduced as an intermediary element between the zipper slider and the article interior. This barrier includes a barrier surface and a barrier engagement feature that interfaces with the zipper slider, creating a physical obstruction that blocks the migration path of particles and organisms while allowing the zipper to function normally.
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier is divided into distinct functional segments: a barrier surface that provides the blocking interface, a barrier engagement feature that connects to the zipper slider, and optionally a notification feature. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while working together to solve the overall problem.
2Reliability
If the zipper is pulled tightly shut to reduce openings, then passage restriction is improved, but a small space of about 5mm still remains allowing infiltration
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier serves as a mediator that fills the gap between the zipper slider and the article interior. Even when the zipper is pulled tightly, the barrier engagement feature maintains contact with the zipper slider, ensuring the barrier surface remains in position to block the 5mm opening that would otherwise allow infiltration.
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier is pre-positioned within the article interior before the zipper is closed. The barrier engagement feature is designed to automatically engage with the zipper slider as it approaches the closed position, ensuring the blocking function is established before any infiltration could occur.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a barrier is added to engage with the zipper slider to block openings, then migration prevention is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier engagement feature is designed to interface with standard zipper slider components that are already present in conventional zipper assemblies. The barrier utilizes existing zipper structures (slider, teeth, tape) as part of its blocking mechanism, allowing the same barrier design to work with various zipper types without requiring custom zipper components.
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier is designed to be self-installing within the article interior. The barrier engagement feature automatically engages with the zipper slider through the natural closing motion of the zipper, eliminating the need for separate installation steps or additional fastening mechanisms. The barrier also provides its own positioning and retention through the engagement feature.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 9
Figure 10A~10C
AI summary
Protective assemblies for zippers described may include a protective barrier for preventing migration of particles and/or organisms between opposite surfaces of the barrier. When a zipper assembly is brought to a closed position, a zipper slider may form a connection with the barrier resulting in an obstruction to block infiltration of small particles or organisms (e.g., bed bugs, allergens, dust mites, small particles, etc.). The barrier may be attached to an article, such as a padded material for use with a bedding/furniture cover. In some embodiments, a cover may be implemented to enclose a portion of the zipper slider. The barrier may include one or more padding materials for preventing migration of small particles or organisms past obstructions formed by the padding material(s).