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AUTOMATED
ZIPPER
Bob
Brown
Simple acts such as using a zipper may become a
challenge for a person who has lost the use of, or has limited use, of their hands
or arms. An automated zipper may offer a solution for such disabilities. Space
suits and certain other applications may find an automated zipper useful.
The construction can be simple using
well known inexpensive materials. To demonstrate one such zipper lay two coiled
springs of approximately 3/16" diameter side by side. Press the two springs
together at one end so that they mesh with each other. When viewed from the
meshed end it will be seen that a hole is common with both springs. Round off
the end of a moderately stiff control filament or cable and insert it in the
hole. See Sketch 1. A plastic monofilament line like the ones used on string
weed machines is a good choice. Insert the control cable and the two springs
will be locked together. Withdrawing the control cable will unlock the two
springs. Finally, sew or bond with adhesives the top material to be zipped to
one spring and do the same with the bottom material of the other spring. Now it
can be shown that the two cloths may be zipped or un-zipped to each other. See
Sketch 2.
To operate the zipper from a remote
location, attach a flexible tube to the meshed ends of the two springs. The
control cable may now be inserted at the remote end of the flexible tube until
it enters the springs and zips the two pieces of material together. Note that
the control cable is similar to the ones used on lawn mowers, bicycle brakes,
and the like. The cable at the remote end may be wound around a reel that is
manually or electrically operated.
Obviously, variations of the basic
principal are possible. The springs may be replaced with specially formed loops
of metal or plastic. The control cable and flexible tube may be metal or
plastic.
Sketch 1.
Sketch 2.
Comment
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