Collapsible Engagement Mechanism With Hardware-Free Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing collapsible engagement mechanisms require additional hardware for securing and are not efficiently packable or shippable due to their design.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible engagement mechanism with a collapsible portion that can be inserted and secured to an engagement structure without additional hardware, featuring a snap hinge and locking mechanism to maintain stability in the engaged position, allowing for easy packaging and assembly-free use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional hardware is used for securing the collapsible engagement mechanism, then the reliability of engagement is improved, but the device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the collapsible portion and securing mechanism into a single integrated structure. The collapsible portion itself forms the securing mechanism through its geometric configuration, eliminating the need for separate hardware components. This merging resolves the contradiction by maintaining engagement reliability through the integrated design while reducing device complexity by removing additional hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The collapsible engagement mechanism is designed to secure itself without external hardware. The collapsible portion's ability to transition between expanded and collapsed states enables it to self-secure to the engagement structure through its own structural properties. This self-service approach improves reliability while eliminating the need for additional securing hardware, thus reducing complexity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the collapsible engagement mechanism is designed with additional securing hardware, then the stability in engaged position is improved, but the ease of packaging and shipping deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement mechanism is divided into the main body and the collapsible portion that can be independently folded. This segmentation allows the mechanism to be collapsed into a compact form for efficient packaging and shipping, while the collapsible portion maintains the ability to provide stable engagement when deployed. The segmented design resolves the contradiction between stability and packability.
Solution Approach 2:
The collapsible portion is designed with dynamic folding capability, allowing it to transition between expanded (stable engagement) and collapsed (compact packaging) states. This dynamic property enables the mechanism to provide stable engagement when needed while minimizing packaging volume during shipping, resolving the contradiction between stability and ease of packaging.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional engagement mechanisms are used, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the productivity and efficiency of deployment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the collapsible portion with the engagement mechanism, creating an integrated structure that can be manufactured as a single piece or pre-assembled unit. This merging simplifies the manufacturing process by reducing the number of separate components that need to be produced and assembled, while simultaneously improving deployment efficiency by eliminating the need for complex assembly steps during installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The collapsible engagement mechanism is designed to be pre-assembled or pre-configured during manufacturing, with the collapsible portion already integrated into the main body. This preliminary action during manufacturing reduces the complexity and time required for deployment, as the mechanism is ready for immediate use without requiring additional assembly steps, thus improving productivity while maintaining ease of manufacture.
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
The mechanism provides secure engagement without additional hardware, facilitating efficient packaging, shipping, and assembly-free use, while maintaining stability in various applications.
Implementation Method 1
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
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.