Reclosable Bag Zipper With Zigzag Impressions for Consistent Closure Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing zippers with tactile and auditory feedback provide inconsistent auditory cues depending on closure direction, leading to confusion about proper engagement.
Innovation Solution
A zipper design with impressions oriented differently along its length to ensure consistent auditory feedback regardless of closure direction, featuring a forming wheel with non-parallel teeth that create angled impressions on the zipper profiles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If impressions are formed in the same direction perpendicular to the zipper length, then tactile and auditory feedback is provided, but the noise changes depending on closure direction causing confusion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by forming impressions at different angles relative to the longitudinal axis of the zipper profiles. Specifically, impressions in the first profile are oriented at a first angle while impressions in the second profile are oriented at a second angle, creating an asymmetric pattern that produces consistent tactile and auditory feedback regardless of closure direction. This asymmetric arrangement ensures that the closure engagement information is reliably transmitted to the user without confusion about direction.
2Reliability
If impressions are oriented at different angles, then consistent feedback is provided regardless of closure direction, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by varying the orientation of impressions at different locations along the zipper profiles. Instead of using a uniform pattern throughout, the impressions are oriented at different angles relative to the longitudinal axis depending on their position and which profile they are in. This localized variation in impression orientation provides consistent feedback while maintaining a relatively simple overall zipper structure that can be manufactured using conventional forming techniques.
Data Source
AI summary
A reclosable bag comprising a first wall and a second wall, a zipper, and a plurality of impressions. The first and second wall form a product pouch and a mouth, where the mouth is configured to the selectively closable. The zipper further comprises a first profile and a second profile that can be releasably interlocked with each other. The plurality of impressions are formed immediately over and extend into the one or both or the first or second profile along the length of the zipper. The impressions are in an angled orientation with each other to form a generally zigzag pattern such that when the first and second profile are interlocked, a user receives tactile and audible feedback.