Self-Securing Collapsible Engagement Mechanism for Flat Packaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing collapsible engagement mechanisms require additional hardware for securing and are cumbersome for packaging and shipping due to their non-collapsible design.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible engagement mechanism with a collapsible portion that can be secured to an engagement structure without additional hardware, allowing for easy assembly and efficient packaging by folding into a collapsed position for storage and transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional hardware is used to secure the engagement mechanism, then the security and stability of attachment is improved, but the device complexity and ease of assembly deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement mechanism is designed to secure itself to the engagement structure through the collapsible portion's inherent geometry and material properties. The collapsible portion's ability to flex and lock into place eliminates the need for separate fasteners, achieving self-securing functionality that maintains reliability while reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The security function is merged into the collapsible portion itself rather than being separate. The collapsible portion simultaneously provides structural support, flexibility for engagement, and self-securing capability, combining multiple functions into a single component that reduces overall device complexity.
2Ease of operation
If the engagement mechanism is designed to be collapsible, then the ease of packaging and shipping is improved, but the stability during use may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement mechanism transitions from a static structure to a dynamic one that can adapt between collapsed and engaged states. The collapsible portion's flexibility allows it to be compressed for packaging while maintaining structural integrity when engaged, achieving both ease of packaging and stability during use through controlled dynamic behavior.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical properties of the collapsible portion change based on its state. When collapsed, the material exhibits high flexibility and compressibility for efficient packaging. When engaged, the same material exhibits increased rigidity and stability through geometric locking, achieving parameter changes that satisfy both packaging efficiency and usage stability.
3Reliability
If the engagement mechanism uses additional hardware for securing, then the reliability of attachment is improved, but the ease of manufacture and assembly deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement mechanism manufactures and assembles itself through the collapsible portion's self-securing design. The single-piece collapsible portion is manufactured as one component and automatically secures to the engagement structure without requiring separate fasteners or assembly steps, dramatically improving ease of manufacture and assembly while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement mechanism is segmented into distinct functional zones: the engagement structure, the collapsible portion, and the securing interface. This segmentation allows the collapsible portion to be designed as a standalone self-securing component that integrates multiple functions, simplifying manufacture and assembly while ensuring reliable attachment.
Data Source
AI summary
Devices and systems for collapsible engagement mechanisms are described herein. In some examples, one or more embodiments include a front panel, a first side panel connected to the front panel, a second side panel connected to the front panel, and a collapsible portion connected to at least one of the first side panel and the second side panel, where the collapsible portion is collapsible about a hinge.