Container Panel Attachment with Play for Manufacturing Tolerance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing panel arrangements for dividing container interior spaces face challenges in being inexpensive and easy to use, particularly due to manufacturing tolerances that complicate attachment to containers made from materials like mesh metal.
Innovation Solution
A panel arrangement with an attachment device featuring a living hinge and snap-fit mechanism, allowing movement within the panel plane to accommodate manufacturing tolerances, comprising a plastic injection-molded component with a play between edges and openings to ensure reliable and easy attachment to containers with varying dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a panel arrangement uses a fixed attachment device without play, then the attachment is precise and stable, but it cannot accommodate manufacturing tolerances of containers
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment device incorporates a play or clearance between the member and the opening edges, allowing the device to move dynamically within the opening to accommodate variations in container dimensions while maintaining secure attachment. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the same attachment device to reliably attach panels to containers with large manufacturing tolerances.
2Reliability
If a panel arrangement uses multiple separate components for attachment, then the attachment is secure and reliable, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment device merges multiple functions into a single integrated component that includes both the connector for attaching to the container and the member that extends through the panel opening. This unified structure maintains secure attachment functionality while reducing the number of separate parts, simplifying assembly and reducing manufacturing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The single-component attachment device performs multiple functions: it connects to the container, secures the panel, and allows for adjustment within the opening. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate adjustment mechanisms while maintaining reliable attachment.
3Reliability
If a panel arrangement uses a complex locking mechanism, then the attachment is secure, but the ease of operation and installation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment device utilizes the play between the member and opening edges to automatically self-adjust and self-align during installation. The member can move freely within the opening to accommodate misalignments, eliminating the need for complex adjustment procedures or specialized installation tools, thereby simplifying the attachment process while maintaining secure connection.
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
Enables easy and reliable attachment of panels to containers with large manufacturing tolerances, ensuring adaptability and cost-effectiveness by allowing movement of the attachment device up to 1.5 mm, thus compensating for manufacturing variations and ensuring a secure fit.
Implementation Method 1
The first and second parts may be interconnected, outside the periphery of the panel, by means of a living hinge
Implementation Method 2
A snap fit may be provided to keep the first and second parts in a clasping connection with the panel
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a panel for dividing the interior space of a container. The panel arrangement (1) has a panel (11) provided with an attachment device (17) adapted to affix the panel in relation the container. There is provided at least one opening in the panel, and the attachment device comprises first and second parts (29, 31) located at a respective side of the panel as well as at least one member (39, 41) reaching through the at least one opening (23). A play (49) is provided between the edges of the opening and said at least one member, such that the attachment device can be moved in at least one direction in which the plane of the panel extends.