Adjustable Plate Edge Clamp for Variable-Thickness Stacking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for stacking and transporting flat objects are limited in their ability to accommodate objects of varying thicknesses, often requiring precise fitting and are prone to detachment or damage, especially when using cardboard packaging that is sensitive to moisture.
Innovation Solution
A device with a base body comprising two movable sub-bodies that form a recess, allowing adjustable opening width to fit different thicknesses, secured by an elastic element or screw connection, and featuring guide elements for controlled movement and positive locking to prevent slippage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed buffer structure is used to hold the plate-shaped object, then the structure is simple to manufacture, but it cannot accommodate objects of varying thicknesses and may detach
Solution Approach 1:
The base body is divided into two separate sub-bodies (first sub-body and second sub-body) that can move relative to each other. This segmentation allows the opening width to be adjusted by moving the sub-bodies, enabling accommodation of different thicknesses while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system transitions from a static fixed buffer structure to a dynamic system where the two sub-bodies can move relative to each other. This dynamic capability allows the opening width to be adjusted according to the thickness of the plate-shaped object, providing adaptability without requiring completely different structures for each thickness.
2Ease of manufacture
If the buffer structure has a fixed opening width, then the manufacturing is simple, but it requires exact matching to the narrowest side of the product
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system employs a dynamic opening width that can be adjusted by moving the two sub-bodies relative to each other. This eliminates the need for manufacturing different fixed-width buffer structures for different products, as a single device can be adjusted to fit various thicknesses.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed to be universal, capable of holding plate-shaped objects of different thicknesses using the same base structure. The two sub-bodies can be positioned at different distances from each other, allowing the same device to accommodate multiple product specifications without requiring separate manufactured components.
3Loss of substance
If cardboard packaging is used to protect flat objects, then material usage is minimal, but it is very sensitive to moisture and loses protective function
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces moisture-sensitive cardboard packaging with a durable plastic mounting system. While the mounting system may be slightly more material-intensive than minimal cardboard, it provides reliable long-term protection against moisture and mechanical damage during storage and transport, eliminating the need for additional moisture-barrier materials.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If individual packing in cardboard boxes is used for each flat object, then protection is provided, but space and materials are wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The invention allows multiple plate-shaped objects to be stacked together using a single type of mounting device at each corner, eliminating the need for individual cardboard boxes around each object. The objects are held together in a compact stack, reducing the total quantity of packaging material while maintaining protection during transport.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables secure stacking and transport of flat objects of varying thicknesses with ease, protecting edges and corners, and allowing for quick assembly and disassembly, while minimizing material use and preventing damage.
Implementation Method 1
The two sub-bodies are elastically pre-tensioned towards each other by an elastic element to clamp the plate-shaped object in the recess
Implementation Method 2
The guide elements enable the two sub-bodies to be moved towards and away from each other in a guided manner
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
Device (1) for attaching to a plate-shaped object (2), wherein the device (1) has a base body (3) which has a recess (4) open at least on one side for receiving a partial area of the plate-shaped object (2), wherein the base body (3) has a first sub-body (5) and a second sub-body (6), wherein the first (5) and the second sub-body (6) are mounted relative to each other in a manner movably relative to each other, wherein the recess (4) is formed between the sub-bodies (5,6).