Zipper Assembly for Netting Repair and Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Industrial netting in warehouse settings accumulates lightweight debris, obscuring visibility and compromising integrity when traditional repair methods, such as cutting openings, lead to multiple unrepaired holes that compromise the net's functionality.

Innovation Solution

A zipper assembly is installed into the netting to repair openings and provide future access without new cuts, using flexible tapes with zipper teeth, eyelets, and reinforced grommets, secured with zip ties or similar fasteners, allowing for easy opening and closing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If openings are cut in the netting to remove debris, then accessibility for debris removal is improved, but the integrity and reliability of the netting deteriorates over time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccessibility for debris removalVSAvoidintegrity of the netting

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The netting is segmented by introducing a zipper assembly that divides the net into separable sections. The zipper allows the net to be divided into open and closed portions, enabling debris removal access while maintaining the overall integrity of the net structure when zipped closed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The zipper assembly introduces dynamic functionality to the static netting structure. The zipper can be opened and closed repeatedly, transforming the net from a fixed structure into a dynamically adjustable one that can provide access when needed while maintaining integrity when closed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If multiple openings are made in the netting for debris removal, then debris can be accessed, but the netting requires repetitive repairs that compromise its functionality

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedebris removal efficiencyVSAvoidrepair complexity and time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of making multiple separate openings and repairs, the zipper assembly is installed in advance as a single prepared solution. This preliminary action eliminates the need for repeated cutting and tying repairs, as the zipper provides a permanent, reusable access mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The zipper assembly allows the netting to recover its integrity after each use. Unlike permanent damage from cutting, the zipper can be closed to restore the net's functionality, effectively recovering the net's strength and appearance after debris removal operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Reliability

If the netting is repaired by tying with twine or string, then the opening is closed, but the repair process is time consuming and does not permit easy future access

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverestoration of net integrityVSAvoidrepair time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The manual tying process with twine or string is replaced by a zipper mechanical system. The zipper's interlocking teeth and slider mechanism provide a faster, more reliable closure method that restores net integrity more quickly and with greater ease than manual tying.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS9380841B2Zipper assembly and method of use thereof

Publication Date: 2016.07.05 ORR MARK W

AI summary

A zipper assembly is described wherein the facing tapes having interlocking teeth along facing edges each have a plurality of eyelets distributed longitudinally therein. The eyelets permit the receipt of zip ties therethrough for securing the assembly to an opening in a net. When installed a user may selectively open and close the opening by zipping and unzipping the zipper assembly.