Disk Holder Retainer Flexibility for Secure Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing disk holders are prone to disengagement during normal handling, have structural components that can be snagged or damaged, are difficult to operate, and involve high production costs and rejection rates.
Innovation Solution
A molded disk holder with a base, pedestal, and connector segments that include retainer members for secure disk retention, featuring a button structure with tab members and gusset members for enhanced structural integrity and ease of use, allowing for flexible engagement and disengagement of the disk.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a central pedestal with ledge is used to hold the disk, then the disk can be supported and stabilized, but the disk can easily become disengaged from the pedestal during normal handling
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer members are designed to be flexible rather than rigid, allowing them to dynamically adapt between engaged and disengaged states. The retainer members can flex radially inward to release the disk and return to their original position to secure the disk, providing both secure retention and easy operation without requiring complex mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer members change their radial position parameter in response to applied force. When pressure is applied to the button portion, the retainer members move radially inward to disengage from the disk; when pressure is released, they return to their original radial position to engage the disk, enabling simple one-handed operation
2Reliability
If structural components like ledges and protrusions are added to prevent disengagement, then disk retention improves, but the components are likely to be snagged or damaged during normal use
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer members are implemented as flexible elements that can deform radially rather than as rigid protrusions. This flexibility allows them to pass through the central opening of the disk without snagging and to provide secure retention when in the engaged position, eliminating the damage problem associated with rigid structural components
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer members transition between flexible engaged and disengaged states, allowing them to adapt to the disk opening during engagement and provide secure retention during normal handling, preventing both snagging and damage while maintaining reliability
3Reliability
If finger pressure against the pedestal is required for disk engagement, then the disk can be secured, but the device becomes difficult to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The button portion acts as an intermediary between the user's finger pressure and the retainer members. Instead of requiring direct pressure on the pedestal, the user presses the button portion which transmits force through the connector segments to deflect the retainer members radially inward, enabling easy one-handed operation while maintaining secure engagement
Solution Approach 2:
The button structure is segmented into multiple functional components: the button portion for user input, connector segments for force transmission, and retainer members for disk engagement. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, making the overall device easier to operate while maintaining reliable disk engagement
4Reliability
If complex structural components are used for disk retention, then reliability improves, but manufacturing costs increase and production rejection rates rise
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer members, connector segments, and button portion are combined into a single integrated molded component rather than separate parts. This merging eliminates the need for complex assembly operations, reduces tooling costs, and simplifies quality control while maintaining reliable disk retention through the flexible retainer mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer members are designed with specific flexibility parameters that allow them to deflect radially inward when force is applied to the button. This parameter-based design achieves reliable disk retention through material properties and geometry rather than complex structural features, simplifying manufacturing and reducing production costs
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 solution provides a secure, durable, and cost-effective disk holder that minimizes snagging and damage, is easy to use, and reduces production complexities, ensuring reliable disk handling and storage.
Implementation Method 1
each connector segment having an upper surface including an outwardly facing portion joining an outwardly facing surface of a corresponding stem member, and an inwardly facing portion joining an upper surface of the disk member. Each connector segment also has a lower surface with an inwardly facing portion joining an inwardly facing surface of the corresponding stem member and an outwardly facing portion joining a lower surface of the disk member, the connector segments collectively having a relaxed condition, an engaged condition wherein the retainer members project outwardly from the central opening when the disk is supported on the ring structure, and, with respect to the at least some stem members having the retainer members, a flexed condition wherein the retainer members are deflected radially inwardly and axially downwardly from the relaxed position in response to external downward pressure applied to the button portion sufficient to permit passage of the retainer members through the central opening of the disk, thereby releasing the disk
Data Source
AI summary
A holder for a disk having a central opening and front and back surfaces includes a base having a planar panel and a forwardly projecting pedestal including a ring for supporting the disk, an inwardly extending disk member, a plurality of stem members for engaging the disk opening, and a corresponding plurality of U-shaped connector segments supporting the stem members in cantilevered relation to the disk member. Alternating ones of the stem members have outwardly projecting retainer members and inwardly projecting tab members, collectively forming a button surface for receiving downward pressure whereby the disk is releasable. Deformation of the pedestal in response to the downward pressure is concentrated in the connector segments and, to a limited extent, an innermost portion of the disk member, providing improved structural integrity for a given downward force required to release the disk.