Zipper Arrangement With Segmented Seam For Moisture Barrier Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Multi-layer garments used by emergency services face challenges in replacing zippers without damaging the moisture barrier or other layers, as existing seams are often welded and difficult to open, leading to damage and leakage issues.

Innovation Solution

A zipper arrangement where a fabric strip is connected to the moisture barrier and lining via a first seam and to the zipper via a second seam, spatially separating the zipper from the moisture barrier, allowing for easy replacement without damaging the moisture barrier.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the zipper is sewn and welded to the moisture barrier and lining with a single seam to provide a waterproof zipper assembly, then the waterproofness is improved, but the ease of repair deteriorates because the seam must be opened and the moisture barrier is damaged when replacing the zipper

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovewaterproofnessVSAvoidease of zipper replacement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The zipper assembly is segmented into two separate attachment points: the first seam attaches the fabric strip to the moisture barrier and lining, while the second seam attaches the zipper to the fabric strip. This segmentation allows the zipper to be replaced by opening only the second seam, leaving the first seam and moisture barrier intact, thus resolving the contradiction between waterproofness and ease of repair

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The fabric strip acts as an intermediary element between the zipper and the moisture barrier. By introducing this intermediate layer, the zipper can be attached and detached without directly interacting with the moisture barrier, maintaining waterproof integrity while enabling easy zipper replacement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If welded seams are used to connect layers to achieve a watertight garment, then the waterproofness is improved, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates because the seams cannot be easily undone and damage the fabric

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovewatertightnessVSAvoidease of seam modification

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The connection method is segmented into two types: welded seams for permanent water-tight connections (first seam connecting fabric strip to moisture barrier) and sewn seams for reversible connections (second seam connecting zipper to fabric strip). This allows the garment to maintain watertightness where needed while enabling easy modification where required

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different seam types are applied locally to different parts of the garment: welded seams are used where permanent watertight connections are critical (moisture barrier integration), while sewn seams are used where flexibility and reworkability are needed (zipper attachment). This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between watertightness and ease of manufacture

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP2062493B1Multi-layer clothing with slide fastener

Publication Date: 2012.01.11 SCHNEIDER OTMAR

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Figure 4~6

AI summary

The zipper arrangement (200) has at least one upper material (270), a liner (230) and at least one moisture barrier (251,252). It has a first seam (282) joining the moisture barrier to the upper material and/or the liner. It has a second seam (242) that joins a zipper (220) to the item of clothing without involving the moisture barrier.