Detachable Plate Connector Assembly for Flat-Pack Storage Boxes
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing comb-tooth tenon structure for connecting side plates of storage boxes requires high processing and assembly skills, leading to high costs and limited universality, and results in large packaging volumes and inconvenient transportation.
Innovation Solution
A plate connection assembly using a connector with engaging grooves and protrusions that allows for detachable connection of side plates, reducing processing difficulties and enabling easier assembly and transportation by allowing the box to be disassembled during packaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If comb-tooth tenon structure is used to connect side plates, then the connection strength is improved, but the processing difficulty and assembly difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into multiple independent components: a first connector component with first engaging protrusions, a second connector component with second engaging protrusions, and plate components with corresponding engaging grooves. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured separately using standard processes, reducing overall processing difficulty while maintaining connection strength through the distributed engaging features.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector acts as an intermediary component between the plates, providing the engaging protrusions and grooves that enable strong connections. This intermediary structure eliminates the need for complex mortise and tenon structures on the plates themselves, reducing plate processing difficulty while maintaining connection strength through the specialized connector design.
2Reliability
If comb-tooth tenon structure with glue is used, then the connection reliability is improved, but the assembly difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector components are designed with self-aligning engaging protrusions and grooves that guide the assembly process. The protrusions naturally fit into the grooves without requiring precise manual alignment or glue application, allowing users to easily assemble the structure themselves while maintaining reliable connections through the mechanical interlocking design.
3Stability of the object's composition
If storage box is assembled before packaging, then the structural integrity is improved, but the packaging volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The storage box is segmented into separate components (plates and connectors) that can be packaged independently in a compact state. When needed, the connectors are attached to the plates to assemble the complete box structure. This segmentation allows the components to occupy minimal packaging volume while maintaining the ability to form a structurally intact box when assembled.
4Strength
If complex mortise and tenon structures are processed on plate edges, then the connection strength is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complex mortise and tenon structures are extracted from the plates and consolidated into separate connector components. The plates only require simple engaging grooves to be processed, while the connectors contain the more complex engaging protrusion structures. This extraction reduces plate manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining connection strength through the specialized connector design.
Data Source
AI summary
A plate connection assembly, a connector for connecting plates and a box are provided. The plate connection assembly includes a connector, a first plate and a second plate. The connector includes a first connecting part and a second connecting part extending along a length direction of the connector. The first plate has a third connecting part adjacent to an end of the first plate and extending along a width direction of the first plate. The second plate has a fourth connecting part adjacent to an end of the second plate and extending along a width direction of the second plate. The third connecting part is engaged with the first connecting part, and the fourth connecting part is engaged with the second connecting part.