Zipper Slider Sensor System for Smart Device Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional zippers lack the capability to expand their functionality beyond simple opening and closing of clothing items, and there is a need for a more integrated and accessible control mechanism for various devices.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a sensor system into the zipper that detects slider position changes and generates corresponding signals, which can be used to control electronic and mechanical devices, and enable wireless communication for integration with other systems, such as smartphones or smart home devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a sensor system is integrated into the zipper to detect slider position and control devices, then the functionality and versatility of the zipper is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates a sensor system into the zipper slider that can detect slider position and generate control signals for multiple different devices (smartphone, smartwatch, computer, television, audio device, lighting device). This allows a single zipper component to serve multiple control functions across various electronic devices, thereby improving versatility without requiring separate control mechanisms for each device.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system is merged directly into the zipper slider structure, combining the fastening function of the zipper with the sensing and control functions. This integration reduces the need for separate control devices and simplifies the overall system architecture while maintaining enhanced functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a sensor system is integrated into the zipper to detect slider position and control devices, then the versatility of the zipper is improved, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is designed to provide universal control capability for multiple device types through a standardized interface. The sensor detects slider position and generates control signals that can be adapted to control smartphones, smartwatches, computers, televisions, audio devices, and lighting devices, all through the same zipper mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a wireless communication interface as an intermediary between the sensor system and various electronic devices. This mediator enables the sensor to communicate with different device types through standardized wireless protocols, simplifying manufacturing by providing a universal communication pathway rather than requiring device-specific integration for each controlled device.
3Ease of operation
If the zipper is used as a control mechanism for various devices, then the accessibility of the control is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The zipper slider itself serves as the control input mechanism. When the user moves the slider to fasten or unfasten the zipper, the sensor system automatically detects this movement and generates the corresponding control signal. The system serves itself by converting the mechanical action of zipping/unzipping directly into electronic control signals without requiring additional buttons, switches, or interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The control function is merged with the fastening function of the zipper. The same mechanical action (moving the slider) that performs the fastening operation also serves as the input for controlling electronic devices. This merging eliminates the need for separate control interfaces and improves accessibility while managing complexity through integration.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a zipper (1), comprising at least one sensor unit 89), wherein the at least one sensor unit (9) is designed to detect a slider position and/or a change of the slider position of a slider (2) of the zipper (1) and provide a slider position signal that corresponds to the detected slider position and/or a slider position change signal that corresponds to the detected change of the slider position. The invention further relates to a slider (2) for a zipper (1) and to a method for operating a zipper (1).