Crate Interlocking Tab and Slot Mechanism for Staple-Free Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The transport and logistics industry faces challenges in simplifying the assembly of crate parts for efficient and space-saving connections, particularly in achieving quick and automated coupling between side walls and bases without the use of staples, nails, or adhesives, and existing solutions do not provide a simple method for interchangeable connections using only two movements.
Innovation Solution
A novel device and method for connecting crate parts featuring a female sheet with a slot and a male sheet with a tab, where the tab includes a first stop element and a guiding surface with an inclination, allowing for coupling through two simple movements: a perpendicular initial movement and a parallel secondary movement, either facilitated by mechanical action or geometric guidance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional fastening means (staples, nails, adhesives) are used to connect crate parts, then the connection strength is improved, but the assembly complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into distinct male and female components with complementary geometries. The female component has a slot with specific surfaces, while the male component has a tab with corresponding surfaces, allowing modular assembly without complex fastening mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The crate parts are designed to self-connect through their geometric features. The tab fits into the slot and the surfaces guide and secure the connection automatically, eliminating the need for external fasteners, adhesives, or complex assembly tools.
2Reliability
If complex coupling mechanisms are used to connect crate parts, then the connection reliability is improved, but the assembly speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection features (slot and tab with defined surfaces) are pre-configured during manufacturing. This preliminary design ensures that during assembly, the components only need to be positioned and engaged, with the pre-defined geometries guiding the connection process and ensuring reliability without complex mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If interchangeable connection systems are designed for different crate configurations, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The male and female connection components are designed with universal geometries that can be applied across different crate configurations. The same slot and tab design with defined surfaces can connect various crate parts (side walls, bases, lids) interchangeably, providing multi-functionality without increasing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for connecting parts of a crate includes a female sheet including a slot and a peripheral surface; and a male sheet including a tab and a peripheral surface, the male sheet being coupled to the female sheet by the tab. The tab includes a stop element in an upper part of the male sheet closest to the peripheral surface of the female sheet, an upper surface of the tab extending upward, and a front surface of the tab extending downward and being completed with a lower surface connected to an inclined guiding surface.