YKK’s Self-Propelled Zipper: Less Crazy Than It Seems
1 min read
Summary
The world’s largest zip fastener manufacturer, YKK, has developed a prototype self-propelled zip fastener, propelled by a worm gear, which is able to zip and unzip itself.
While the application may currently be more useful in an industrial setting, such as zipping up large tents, the aim of the project is to create a zip fastener that could be used in any setting.
This could include making it possible for school children to show off jackets with self-zipping features to their friends.
However, there are safety concerns that need to be overcome before the product can be made available to the public, not least ensuring that the zip fasteners do not cause injury.
Also, the potential for the zips to become jammed, and the fact that a motorized zip would lack the flexibility of a manual zip, could count against the product.
