Hingedly Connectable Disk Trays for Compact Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing disk storage containers are excessively bulky, complex, and have loose parts that are difficult to assemble and prone to misplacement, failing to provide a satisfactory protective enclosure for multiple disks.
Innovation Solution
A molded disk container with hingedly connected trays that can be easily joined and rejoined, featuring tab and axle mechanisms for snap engagement and pivotable support, allowing for flexible configuration and storage of multiple disks in a compact and integrated manner.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If traditional disk storage containers are used, then multiple disks can be stored, but the container becomes excessively bulky and complex with loose parts that are difficult to assemble
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple tray components into a single molded unit. The tray body, tabs, tab cavities, and axle cavities are all formed as one integrated piece, eliminating the need for separate loose parts and simplifying assembly while maintaining the capacity to hold multiple disks
Solution Approach 2:
The molded tray is designed with universal features including multiple hubs for holding disks, tab portions and cavities for connecting multiple trays together, and axle cavities for pivotable support. This single component performs multiple functions that previously required separate parts
2Quantity of substance
If traditional disk storage containers are used, then multiple disks can be stored, but the container has loose parts that are easy to misplace
Solution Approach 1:
By combining all tray components into a single molded unit, the patent eliminates loose parts that could be misplaced. The integrated design includes all necessary features (tabs, cavities, hubs) as part of the same component, ensuring nothing can be lost during assembly or handling
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple disk trays are connected, then flexible configuration is achieved, but the connection mechanism becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The tray is segmented with integrated tab portions and tab cavities that allow individual trays to be connected in various configurations. The segmentation enables flexible assembly while the integrated molding keeps the connection mechanism simple and consistent across all trays
Solution Approach 2:
Each tray includes universal tab and tab cavity features that work with any other tray of the same design, enabling flexible configuration without requiring different connection mechanisms for different tray positions or orientations
4Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional storage containers are used, then disks can be protected, but the overall width and thickness are excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs trays that can be nested or stacked together with tabs fitting into cavities, allowing multiple trays to be compactly arranged. This nesting capability reduces the overall width and thickness of the storage system while maintaining protective enclosure for all disks
Data Source
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AI summary
A disk storage system for disks having a central opening includes a set of hingedly connectable disk trays(10), a pair of axle members(30) for attachment to one of the trays(10) on axle axis(21) thereof, and a storage container(40) having hinge pedestals(46) for engagement by the axle members(30). Hinged connections between adjacent trays(10) is implemented by tabs(16) that are pivoted on respective hinge axes(17) of the different trays, the tabs(16) are engageable with respective tab cavities(22) of adjacent trays.