Clamshell Case With Stackable Modular Intermediate Layers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multi-decker clamshell cases have high manufacturing costs due to varied pivot block heights and limited adjustability of intermediate layers, restricting the number of layers and user customization.
Innovation Solution
A clamshell case design featuring modular intermediate layers with equal height pivot blocks, allowing users to stack and assemble layers freely, reducing mold costs and enabling customizable layer configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional multi-decker clamshell cases use intermediate layers with different-height pivot blocks to accommodate varying layer positions, then the case can hold various cosmetics, but the manufacturing costs increase due to the need for different molds for each intermediate layer height
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the pivot block universal by enabling it to adapt to different positions through a groove mechanism. The pivot block includes a groove that receives a protrusion from the case bottom at different locations, allowing a single pivot block design to serve multiple layer positions. This eliminates the need for different-height pivot blocks for different cosmetics, reducing mold variety and manufacturing cost while maintaining the ability to hold various cosmetics.
2Ease of manufacture
If the number of intermediate layers is limited by the restricted heights of pivot blocks, then manufacturing is simplified, but the case cannot be freely adjusted by users as required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic adjustability through a movable protrusion mechanism. The protrusion that engages with the groove in the pivot block can be positioned at different locations along the case bottom, allowing users to freely adjust the number and position of intermediate layers. This dynamic positioning system enables unlimited layer configurations while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through the reuse of identical pivot block components.
3Ease of operation
If different-height pivot blocks are used for various intermediate layers, then each layer can be positioned at distinct distances from the case bottom, but the number of intermediate layers is limited and cannot be freely adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the positioning function into two independent components: the pivot block (which remains uniform) and the protrusion position (which can be selectively placed). The groove in the pivot block is segmented to accept protrusions at multiple discrete locations, allowing the same pivot block to achieve different layer positions. This segmentation enables unlimited intermediate layers with distinct positioning without requiring different pivot block heights.
Data Source
AI summary
A clamshell case includes a case bottom, at least one modular intermediate layer, and a lid. The intermediate layer has a coupling slot in an upper back thereof and a pivot block at a lower back thereof. The pivot block is held in a pivot slot of the case bottom, and the intermediate layer is pivotally fitted over the case bottom through at least one pivot or a pivot portion. The lid has a pivot block held in the coupling slot of the intermediate layer and is pivotally fitted over the intermediate layer through at least one pivot or a pivot portion. The costs to manufacture the clamshell case, which is assembled with a specific number of modular intermediate layers stacked on one another as required, can be reduced, because pivot blocks in all modular intermediate layers are of equal height and identical axial position.