Japan-based YKK, the global leader in zipper manufacturing (producing roughly half the world’s zippers), developed an innovative self-propelled zipper prototype primarily for industrial applications, not consumer apparel.
Big zippers used in things like membrane structures, temporary shelters, or huge tents (like for events or disaster relief) take a lot of handwork to open and close, often needing skilled workers in risky high-up spots. YKK’s self-propelled zipper does this job automatically, cutting down on work, time, and dangers. For example, these zippers could make building and using large setups like greenhouses or tents super easy by letting them be controlled precisely without effort. The prototype was shown linking two 13-foot-wide temporary shelters over 8 feet tall, proving it’s useful for big, short-term structures.
- LOTS OF STORAGE SPACE&POCKETS: One separate laptop compartment hold 15.6 Inch Laptop as well as 15 Inch,14 Inch and 13 Inch Laptop. One spacious...
- COMFY & STURDY: Comfortable soft padded back design with thick but soft multi-panel ventilated padding, gives you maximum back support. Breathable and...
- FUNCTIONAL & SAFE: A luggage strap allows backpack fit on luggage/suitcase, slide over the luggage upright handle tube for easier carrying. With a...
The zipper has a built-in motor and a corkscrew-shaped worm gear (a small, spiral gear inside the slider) that powers the zipping. This lets the zipper move on its own along the track without anyone pulling it. You control it with a wired remote that starts the motor to zip or unzip. A video shows it taking about 50 seconds to zip across the 13-foot shelter, a steady but slow speed good for heavy-duty jobs. It uses a power cable, meaning it’s not battery-powered yet, which makes sense since it’s still a prototype.
Right now, it’s focused on industrial uses, but YKK’s invention could lead to future ideas in things like architecture, shipping, or even products to help people with accessibility needs (consumer versions would need to be much smaller and safer). The prototype’s remote control hints it could work with smart systems, fitting trends in automation and the Internet of Things.
Even in harsh environments such as working at height, zippers must be opened and closed by hand. In the industrial field, opening and closing zippers requires consideration of safety, and the work must be done by skilled workers, which takes time. We believe that the ‘self-propelled zipper’ can be a product that solves these problems for our customers. We will continue to utilize the knowledge gained from the demonstration test and continue development toward practical use,” said the company.
[Source]
