Carrying Case Interlocking Alignment for Stacked Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing carrying cases lack a structure to allow multiple cases to be stacked without misalignment, which can lead to the survey instrument being damaged due to improper stacking.
Innovation Solution
The design includes top and bottom surfaces with rib projections and grooves that align and interlock when multiple cases are stacked, preventing misalignment by using interfering projections that fit into corresponding grooves, ensuring proper alignment and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple carrying cases are piled up without a specific alignment structure, then the carrying case can be easily stored and transported, but the cases may become misaligned causing the survey instrument to be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary alignment structure consisting of projection portions on the bottom surface and corresponding groove portions on the top surface. These intermediary elements mediate between the stacked cases, ensuring proper alignment and preventing misalignment during stacking and transportation.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment structures (projection portions and groove portions) are pre-formed on the carrying cases before stacking. This preliminary action ensures that when cases are stacked, they automatically align correctly without requiring additional adjustment or intervention, preventing misalignment from the outset.
2Reliability
If a specific alignment structure with projections and grooves is added to the carrying case, then misalignment is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment function is segmented into separate components: projection portions on the bottom surface and groove portions on the top surface. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall design while achieving reliable alignment. The segmentation also enables easy manufacturing and assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment structures serve multiple functions: they provide alignment guidance, prevent misalignment, and facilitate stable stacking. By making the alignment structures multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving reliable alignment stability.
Data Source
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AI summary
A carrying case (10) has a flat top surface (15) and bottom surface (16) aligned in a first direction (Z direction) and includes two top surface rib grooves (24), extending in a second direction (X direction) perpendicular to the first direction and recessed in the first direction, on the top surface and four interfering projections (35), projecting in the first direction, on the bottom surface (16). Both ends of one of the top surface side rib grooves (24) seen from the second direction are inclined toward one side in a third direction (Y direction) perpendicular to the second direction and both ends of the other top surface side rib groove (24) seen from the second direction are inclined toward the other side in the third direction. The respective interfering projections (35) are disposed corresponding to the respective inclining portions (28) such that the interfering projections (35) touch the inclining portions from inside.