Zipper Head Elastic Member with Variable Thickness

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional zipper head assemblies experience elastic fatigue and plastic deformation due to inadequate elastic force distribution, leading to reduced usage life.

Innovation Solution

A zipper head assembly structure featuring an elastic member with a fixing portion, an elastic portion, and an abutting portion, where the elastic portion's thickness is smaller than the fixing portion's, and a seat portion with concave spaces and protruding bodies to enhance elastic force and prevent deformation, allowing the retaining member to move as a rotating shaft.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the elastic member has uniform thickness throughout, then the manufacturing is simpler, but the elastic force distribution is inadequate causing elastic fatigue and plastic deformation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidelastic force distribution

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic member is designed with non-uniform thickness: the elastic portion has a first thickness while the fixing portion has a second thickness greater than the first. This local variation in thickness creates concentrated elastic force in the elastic portion where it is most needed, preventing elastic fatigue and plastic deformation, while the thicker fixing portion provides sufficient structural support.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Strength

If the elastic portion has greater thickness, then the structural strength is improved, but the elastic coefficient and elastic force are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidelastic force

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Stability of the object's composition

If the retaining member is fixed rigidly, then the positioning is more stable, but the movement freedom is reduced affecting zipper operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning stabilityVSAvoidmovement freedom

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The retaining member is designed to move relative to the seat portion along the elastic member, transitioning from a static fixed connection to a dynamic movable connection. This allows the retaining member to adjust its position as the zipper operates, maintaining stability when needed while providing movement freedom for smooth zipper function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic member acts as an intermediary between the retaining member and the seat portion, enabling relative movement while maintaining connection. This intermediary element allows the retaining member to move along the elastic member, providing both stability and movement freedom for proper zipper operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 increases the elastic coefficient and force, preventing elastic fatigue and plastic deformation, thereby extending the usage life of the elastic member and ensuring smooth operation of the zipper head assembly.

Implementation Method 1

The elastic member is disposed on the seat portion to elastically abut against the retaining member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS10070705B2Zipper head assembly structure and elastic member thereof

Publication Date: 2018.09.11 WEIFANG ZHONG CHUAN ZIP FASTENER ACCESSORY CO LTD

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a zipper head assembly structure and an elastic member thereof. The zipper head assembly structure includes a sliding assembly and a pulling member. The sliding assembly has a base portion, a seat portion, an elastic member and a retaining member. The seat portion has a positioning through hole. The elastic member is disposed on the seat portion to elastically abut against the retaining member. The elastic member has a fixing portion fixed on the seat portion, an elastic portion extended from the fixing portion, and an abutting portion extended from the elastic portion for abutting against the retaining member. The retaining member is movably disposed on the seat portion for movably contacting the elastic member, and the retaining member has a retaining portion for passing through the positioning through hole. The pulling member is movably mated with the retaining member.