Zipper Pull Cover With Flexible Aperture for Washer Drum Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fasteners on articles being washed or dried in machines cause damage to the interior walls and produce noise due to agitation during cycles.
Innovation Solution
A protective device with a flexible body that surrounds at least a portion of the fastener, featuring an aperture that can be opened and closed to secure the fastener, made from durable materials like rubber or plastic, and designed in various aesthetically pleasing shapes to prevent damage and noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fasteners are used on articles, then articles can be secured and fastened, but the fasteners cause damage to machine interior walls and produce noise during washing/drying cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a protective cover as an intermediary element that envelops the fastener. This cover acts as a mediator between the fastener and the machine interior walls, preventing direct contact and thus eliminating damage and noise while preserving the fastener's functional integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The protective cover is applied to the fastener before it can cause harm to the machine. By pre-protecting the fastener with a soft covering, the potential for damage and noise generation is eliminated before the washing/drying cycle begins
2Reliability
If the protective device body is made flexible to allow aperture opening/closing, then the device can securely hold fasteners, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible body made of elastomeric material that can be deformed to open the aperture and returns to its original shape to close the aperture. This flexible shell approach provides secure fastener retention through elastic memory without requiring complex mechanical components
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible body's elastic properties enable it to automatically open and close the aperture without external assistance. When the body is squeezed, the aperture opens to allow fastener insertion; when released, the elastic material naturally returns to its original shape, closing the aperture and securing the fastener
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 device effectively protects the washing or drying machine's interior from damage and reduces noise by securely holding fasteners in place during cycles.
Implementation Method 1
The body may include a flexible panel region proximate to the aperture to aid in opening the aperture
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to a protective device for a fastener located on an article. The protective device includes a body having an exterior surface and an interior surface. The interior surface defines an interior space sufficient to surround at least a portion of a fastener. The body also includes an aperture which may be moved to an open position by squeezing or moving a portion of the body, and moved to a closed position by releasing a portion of the body. The device protects the interior walls of a washing or drying machine during washing or drying of the article.