Zipper Tape Anti-Accidental Closure Design
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing zipper-tape-attached containers face challenges in preventing engagement portions from being closed during transportation, especially when additional plastic films are not feasible due to complexity and waste concerns.
Innovation Solution
A zipper tape design with modified engagement portions, including hooks and barb structures, that require a higher force for engagement, ranging from 30 N/15 mm to 100 N/15 mm, to prevent accidental closure without the need for additional members like films.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a film is inserted in the zipper tape to prevent engagement portions from being closed, then the engagement portions are prevented from closing accidentally, but the process becomes complicated and plastic waste increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes the additional film component from the system. Instead of inserting a film into the zipper tape, the patent modifies the zipper tape's engagement portions directly by forming protrusions and grooves that inherently prevent accidental closure, thereby eliminating the need for separate preventive components and simplifying the overall structure
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies local quality changes by modifying only the engagement portions of the zipper tape with specific protrusion and groove structures. These localized structural changes provide the necessary prevention function without altering the entire zipper tape or requiring additional components, thus avoiding increased complexity
2Reliability
If a film is inserted in the zipper tape to prevent engagement portions from being closed, then the engagement portions are prevented from closing accidentally, but plastic waste increases due to the additional film
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes the additional film component from the system. Instead of inserting a film into the zipper tape, the patent modifies the zipper tape's engagement portions directly by forming protrusions and grooves that inherently prevent accidental closure, thereby eliminating the need for separate preventive components and simplifying the overall structure
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the prevention function into the existing zipper tape structure itself. The protrusions and grooves are formed as integral parts of the engagement portions during manufacturing, combining the closure mechanism and prevention function into a single unified structure, thereby eliminating the need for separate preventive films and reducing material waste
3Reliability
If the force required for engagement is increased to prevent accidental closure, then the engagement portions are more securely held open, but the zipper becomes harder to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the engagement portions with protrusions and grooves during manufacturing that are designed to require a specific threshold force for engagement. This preliminary structural arrangement ensures that normal handling forces during transportation cannot accidentally close the zipper, while still allowing intentional opening when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the force parameter by designing engagement portions with specific geometric features (protrusions and grooves) that create a threshold engagement force. This parameter modification allows the zipper to resist accidental closure from normal handling forces while still permitting operation when sufficient deliberate force is applied
Data Source
AI summary
A zipper tape is provided including: a first base; a male engagement portion protruding from the first base; a second base; and a female engagement portion protruding from the second base, in which the male engagement portion includes first and second hooks protruding outward, the female engagement portion includes third and fourth hooks protruding inward, the first hook is engaged with the third hook and the second hook is engaged with the fourth hook when the male engagement portion fits inside the female engagement portion, and a force required for causing the male engagement portion to fit inside the female engagement portion is in a range from 30 N/15 mm to 100 N/15 mm.