Container Assembly with Interlocking Divider Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container systems with fixed or user-configurable dividers lack a secure and flexible way to define sub-compartments, as they often result in dividers that are either rigidly integrated or loosely attached, failing to provide optimal partitioning and retention of items and their components.
Innovation Solution
A container assembly with first and second connectors that form engagement pairs, where the space between the connectors reduces in size as the divider moves, allowing retaining elements to inhibit the divider's movement, enabling secure and flexible partitioning of sub-compartments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dividers are integrally formed with the container, then sub-compartments are securely defined, but the sub-compartments are of a fixed size and lack flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The container is segmented into multiple sub-compartments using removable dividers that can be independently positioned. Each divider is a separate component that can be attached at different locations along the container walls, allowing the internal space to be divided into various configurations based on storage needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The dividers are designed to be dynamically repositionable rather than fixed. They can be attached and detached at multiple predetermined positions along the container, enabling the user to adapt the sub-compartment sizes and arrangements according to different storage requirements while maintaining secure definition when positioned.
2Adaptability or versatility
If user configurable dividers are provided with Velcro attachment, then flexibility is improved, but the connection security is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Connection elements serve as intermediaries between the dividers and container walls. These elements provide standardized attachment points that combine the flexibility of reconfigurability with secure mechanical engagement, mediating between the user's need for flexibility and the requirement for reliable attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment mechanism uses localized connection points distributed along the container walls rather than a continuous attachment system. Each connection point provides secure engagement, while the discrete nature of these points allows for flexible positioning at different locations to create various divider configurations.
3Reliability
If multiple connection points are provided on each side of the divider, then connection security is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection elements are designed with universal functionality to work at multiple positions along the container walls. Each connection element has the same structure and attachment mechanism, allowing them to be used repeatedly at different locations without requiring unique designs for each position, thus maintaining simplicity while providing secure multi-point attachment.
Data Source
AI summary
A container assembly (10) includes a container (12) for storing an item such as a camera. The container (12) may be partitioned by a divider (14). The container (12) includes first connectors (22) which define a plurality of possible divider positions. The first connectors (22) are arranged to align with second connectors (32) of the divider (14) when the divider (14) is placed in a divider position to form engagement pairs which may receive a common retaining element (16) to hold the divider (14) in place at the divider position.