Information display stand with snap-in locking assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing information display stands face issues with friction-based locking mechanisms being unspecific in length, leading to fitting problems and requiring excessive manual work, and struggle with determining the convex shape of display panels during initial setup.
Innovation Solution
A locking assembly with a tongue member and receiving member in sliding connection, featuring protrusions and recesses for a snap-in mechanism, allowing for easy transition between planar and upright positions, and utilizing a toggle joint mechanism for efficient handling and robust structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If friction-based locking members are used in display stands, then the locking mechanism is simple in structure, but the locking member length becomes unspecific during manufacturing, causing fitting problems and requiring excessive manual work
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member is divided into two separate parts: a tongue member with protrusions and a receiving member with recesses. This segmentation allows each part to be manufactured with precise dimensions independently, eliminating the length specification problems that occur with single-piece friction-based locking members.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-aligning and self-locking. The protrusions on the tongue member automatically engage with the recesses on the receiving member when the panels are assembled, eliminating the need for manual adjustment or fitting that was required with friction-based locking members of unspecific length.
2Ease of manufacture
If friction-based locking members are used, then the locking mechanism is easy to manufacture, but it requires excessive manual work to fasten the locking member between panels
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism automatically engages when the panels are assembled. The tongue member with protrusions fits into the receiving member with recesses, creating a self-locking connection that requires no manual fastening effort, while still being simple to manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking geometry is pre-configured during manufacturing with precisely positioned protrusions and recesses. This preliminary action ensures that when the panels are assembled, the locking members automatically engage in the correct position without requiring manual adjustment or excessive assembly effort.
3Ease of operation
If the locking assembly uses a snap-in mechanism with protrusions and recesses, then the stand switching between formations is easy, but the locking assembly structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The locking assembly is segmented into a tongue member and receiving member with complementary protrusions and recesses. This segmentation enables easy snap-in engagement for formation switching while distributing the structural complexity across two simple, manufacturable components rather than one complex component.
4Ease of manufacture
If the locking member length is not precisely controlled, then manufacturing is simpler, but the locking member does not fit properly between panels or is too long
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the locking member into a tongue member and receiving member, each can be manufactured to precise specifications independently. This eliminates the problem of overall length control while maintaining simplicity in the manufacturing process for each individual component.
Solution Approach 2:
The precise dimensions and positioning of protrusions and recesses are predetermined during the design and manufacturing phase. This preliminary action ensures proper fit between panels without requiring complex manufacturing processes, as each component is made to exact specifications that guarantee compatibility.
Data Source
AI summary
An information display stand is built up by two panels and two transverse locking inserts by means of which the stand can be expanded from an idle flat state to an expanded state of use. Each locking insert has a tongue member and a tongue receiving member which are in sliding connection. By this sliding, the locking inserts can assume an extended form corresponding to the idle formation of the stand and a retracted form corresponding to the expanded state of the stand. The tongue member and the tongue receiving member have matching engagement means which form a stopping mechanism for the locking assembly.