Interchangeable Button Storage Container with Segmented Compartments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for handling interchangeable buttons lack a systematic and efficient way to store and retrieve different types of buttons, leading to a cumbersome and uncertain process when trying to find specific buttons for application or replacement on garments.
Innovation Solution
A container with multiple compartments, including well-shaped housings for vertical stacking of buttons, a tray for coupling elements, and dedicated tools for application and removal, along with shutter-like closing means to isolate compartments, facilitating organized storage and easy access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If buttons are stored haphazardly in a box, then storage space is utilized, but retrieval time increases and organization is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The storage box is divided into multiple compartments, each dedicated to storing a specific type of button. This segmentation allows for organized storage where buttons are grouped by type, color, or size, enabling rapid retrieval without searching through the entire box. The compartmentalization structure directly addresses the retrieval time issue while maintaining manageable complexity through systematic organization.
Solution Approach 2:
Different compartments are designed with specific characteristics suited for different button types. Each compartment can be optimized for particular button sizes, shapes, or materials, allowing users to quickly locate and access the specific button type needed without disturbing other buttons. This local optimization enhances retrieval efficiency while keeping the overall storage system organized and manageable.
2Ease of operation
If compartments are not isolated, then access is simplified, but content mixing occurs between compartments
Solution Approach 1:
The closing means are designed to be movable between open and closed positions, allowing dynamic adjustment based on operational needs. When access is needed, compartments can be opened; when organization must be maintained, compartments can be closed. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt between ease of access and organization stability as required by the user's immediate needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The closing means can be selectively opened to extract or access specific compartments while leaving others closed and isolated. This selective access allows users to maintain organization stability in compartments that don't need immediate access while still providing easy access to the specific compartment containing the required button type, thus balancing both requirements.
3Ease of operation
If tools are not integrated into the container, then the container structure is simpler, but tool accessibility during button application decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The tools required for button application and removal are integrated directly into the container structure, merging the storage function with the operational function. This combination ensures that tools are always accessible during button operations without requiring separate storage locations or additional steps to retrieve them. The merging of functions enhances ease of operation while the integration is designed to maintain reasonable structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The container is designed to serve multiple functions: storing buttons, storing tools, and providing a workspace for button application. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate equipment and ensures that all necessary components are readily available during button operations, improving ease of operation without requiring completely separate systems for each function.
Data Source
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AI summary
The equipment (1) allows to handle a set (200) of interchangeable buttons (2) adapted to be applied or substituted in a garment (V). The buttons (2) are removably coupled with screw coupling means (3), and the set (200) comprises groups (20) of homogeneous buttons (2), a plurality of said screws (3) and at least one tool (4, 5) for handling the buttons during their application or removal to or from the above mentioned garment (V). The equipment (1) includes a container (10) with multiple compartments (11) so as to define: a group of housings having the shape of a well (12) for as many groups (20) of buttons (2) arranged in a stack;a tray (13) adapted to contain said coupling means (3); at least one seat (14) adapted to contain the cited tool (4, 5); closing means (18), associated to said container (10) and moving between an open position and a closed one, in the first of which said compartments (11) are made accessible for the withdrawal and/or placement of the above mentioned interchangeable buttons (2), coupling means (3) and tool (4, 5), while in the second position the same compartments (11) are protected and mutually isolated, so as to prevent the transfer of the contents of one into another and vice versa.