Recloseable Pouch Zipper Ears With Angled Lead-In Protrusions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing zipper closures for flexible pouches face challenges in precise slider alignment, require additional mass for proper insertion, and involve complex configurations that increase costs.
Innovation Solution
A zipper closure design with angled ears and protrusions that provide a wide insertion window for the slider device, reducing the need for extra mass and ensuring easy alignment, while maintaining strong interlocking capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the ears are positioned very close together or touching at the end tip, then the closure structure is compact, but the slider device cannot be precisely aligned for insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a new spatial dimension by extending ears laterally away from the central axis, creating a lead-in zone that guides the slider plow from a different spatial approach angle. This dimensional change allows the slider to align precisely with the track without requiring the ears to be close together, resolving the contradiction between compactness and alignment precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The ears are designed with outward extensions that create a lead-in zone before the slider reaches the main insertion point. This preliminary structural arrangement guides the slider plow into the correct position in advance, ensuring precise alignment is achieved automatically during the insertion process without requiring external devices or complex alignment mechanisms.
2Ease of operation
If the ears are open at the top providing adequate space for slider insertion, then the slider plow can be engaged with the track, but a larger plow is needed to generate sufficient motion to separate the profiles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a specialized lead-in zone at the front portion of the ears where the material is directed toward the center. This localized structural feature provides the necessary guidance and motion generation for the slider plow without requiring the entire plow to be larger. The lead-in zone concentrates the separating action where it is most needed, allowing a more compact plow design while maintaining ease of insertion.
3Manufacturing precision
If protrusions are added to the ears to increase motion when acted on by the slider plow, then proper alignment is ensured, but extra mass must be added to the profiles which increases cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the ears by extending them laterally and creating a lead-in zone with specific angular orientations. This parameter change achieves the necessary motion and alignment effects without adding separate protrusion elements. The modified ear geometry itself provides the guiding and motion-generating functions, eliminating the need for additional mass while maintaining precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A recloseable zipper closure for use with a pouch includes a female profile including first and second spaced profile legs joined by a female base to define a central, continuous, elongate receiver recess; a male profile opposing the female profile. A first ear extends from the second profile leg in a direction away from the female fin, the first ear has a first tip positioned a furtherest distance away from the female and male profiles. A second ear, opposing the first ear, extends from the male base in a direction away from the male fin. The second ear has a second tip positioned a furthest distance away from the female and male profiles. A first protrusion extends from the first ear at a non-zero angle in a direction toward the second ear; and a second protrusion extends from the second ear at a non-zero angle in a direction toward the first ear.