Zipper Terminal Element Geometry for Collision-Free Closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing zippers face difficulties in closing due to collisions between the first tape and the second terminal element that extends beyond the end face of the first tape, making it challenging to fully close the zipper.
Innovation Solution
The zipper design incorporates a first terminal element with surfaces inclined relative to the first tape, forming a 'V' shape with the second terminal element in the closed state, ensuring a distance difference between the slider's upper blade and the first tape ends, and featuring recesses and stoppers to prevent collisions and enhance stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the second terminal element extends beyond the end face of the first tape in the closed state, then the zipper structure is stabilized and providing space for lock pin, but the first tape collides with the second terminal element during closing
Solution Approach 1:
The first terminal element is segmented into an inclined portion and a stopper portion, with the inclined portion specifically designed to guide the first tape away from the second terminal element during closing, preventing collision while maintaining structural stability
Solution Approach 2:
The inclined portion of the first terminal element acts as an intermediary between the first tape and the second terminal element, guiding the tape away from the extending second terminal element and preventing harmful collision
2Ease of operation
If the first terminal element has inclined surfaces forming a 'V' shape, then the first tape is guided away from the second terminal element preventing collision, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inclined portion and stopper portion are merged into a single integrated first terminal element, combining the guidance function and stopping function in one component that can be manufactured as a single piece, reducing overall complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The first terminal element serves multiple functions: the inclined portion guides the tape to prevent collision, while the stopper portion provides the stopping function, combining multiple functions in a single component
Data Source
AI summary
In a closed state of a zipper, distance from a tape-facing plane of an upper blade of a slider to a first tape at an end of a first terminal element facing a first row is different from distance from the tape-facing plane of the upper blade of the slider to the first tape at an opposite end of the first terminal element.