Zipper Locking Plate with Biasing Member for Bidirectional Self-Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional zippers lack bidirectional self-locking functionality, which limits their versatility and convenience in applications where secure closure in multiple directions is required.
Innovation Solution
A zipper design featuring a hook-shaped locking plate with a biasing member, a locking pin, and a puller with position-limiting portions, allowing the locking pin to be inserted into engaged teeth for bidirectional locking and automatic unlocking when the puller is pulled up or down.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional zipper design is used, then the structure is simple, but bidirectional self-locking functionality is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: a locking plate with locking pins, a biasing member for automatic engagement, and position-limiting portions on the puller. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall system reliability through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing member automatically pushes the locking plate to engage locking pins with the zipper teeth without requiring manual intervention. The system self-locks bidirectionally when the puller is pulled up or down, eliminating the need for separate locking actions and reducing operational complexity.
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to enable bidirectional locking, then locking reliability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking plate integrates multiple functions: it contains locking pins for engagement, a pivot connection for movement, and serves as the mounting point for the biasing member. This merging of functions into a single component reduces the overall number of parts while maintaining bidirectional locking reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking plate serves multiple purposes: it provides bidirectional locking through pins, enables automatic engagement via the biasing member, and works with the position-limiting portions on the puller to prevent lateral sway. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function.
3Reliability
If the locking pin is designed to engage engaged teeth, then bidirectional locking is achieved, but the ease of operation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing member continuously exerts force on the locking plate to maintain engagement of the locking pins with the zipper teeth. This automatic self-locking mechanism eliminates the need for manual locking operations, allowing users to simply pull the puller up or down without additional steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking plate is pivotally connected to allow dynamic movement during operation. When the puller is pulled up or down, the locking plate automatically pivots to disengage and re-engage the locking pins, providing smooth bidirectional operation while maintaining security during stationary periods.
4Stability of the object's composition
If position-limiting portions are added to prevent lateral sway, then operational stability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Position-limiting portions are added only to the puller where needed to prevent lateral sway during operation. This localized addition provides stability without requiring comprehensive structural modifications throughout the entire zipper assembly, minimizing the increase in overall complexity.
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
Enables secure bidirectional locking of the zipper head base at any engaged tooth, ensuring stability and convenience during dressing and undressing, while preventing lateral sway of the puller for steady operation.
Implementation Method 1
the biasing member provides a biasing force for the locking plate so that the locking pin is allowed to be inserted into engaged zipper teeth
Data Source
AI summary
A zipper includes zipper teeth, a zipper head base for engaging or disengaging zipper teeth, and a puller with an end hole. The zipper head base includes a body with a pivotal mounting portion, a hook-shaped locking plate with a locking pin, and a biasing member, the hook-shaped locking plate is pivotally connected to the pivotal mounting portion, and the locking pin of the hook-shaped locking plate is configured to pass through the end hole of the puller. The zipper head base has a locked state, in which the biasing member provides a biasing force to the locking plate, so that the locking pin is allowed to be inserted into the engaged zipper teeth to restrict bidirectional movement of the zipper head base. A garment including the zipper is further provided according to the application.