Double-Walled Drawer Divider for Stable Part Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing compartment dividers in assortment boxes and assembly cases are prone to deformation during transport, causing small parts to shift from one compartment to another, especially when heavy items are involved, leading to loss of organization.
Innovation Solution
A double-walled compartment divider design with a deep-drawn plastic component, where intermediate walls are connected at the upper edge and feature grooves for partition insertion, ensuring stability and preventing part shifting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a single-walled compartment divider is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the intermediate wall deforms under load causing slots to form and small parts to shift between compartments
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate wall is divided into two separate walls (first intermediate wall and second intermediate wall) that are offset from each other. This segmentation creates a double-walled structure where each wall independently supports lateral loads, preventing the single wall from deforming and forming slots that would allow parts to shift between compartments.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution moves from a single-plane wall to a multi-plane configuration by offsetting the first and second intermediate walls laterally. This dimensional change creates a three-dimensional structure where walls are positioned at different locations, providing load distribution across multiple planes and preventing deformation in any single location.
2Reliability
If a double-walled intermediate wall is used, then the stability and resistance to deformation is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first and second intermediate walls are integrally formed as a single piece with the base and side walls in one deep-drawing operation. This merging of multiple components into a single monolithic structure eliminates the need for separate manufacturing and assembly steps, reducing device complexity while maintaining the stabilizing benefits of the double-walled design.
Solution Approach 2:
The deep-drawing process parameters are optimized to directly form the offset double-walled structure in a single operation. By controlling the forming parameters, the complex geometry of offset walls is achieved without requiring multiple manufacturing steps or complex tooling, thus reducing overall manufacturing complexity.
3Reliability
If the double-walled partition is used, then the stability is improved, but the available space for small parts is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the intermediate wall into two offset walls, the structural stability is enhanced through load distribution across multiple planes. The offset configuration allows the walls to work together to resist deformation while maintaining adequate spacing between them, thereby preserving more usable volume compared to a thicker single wall.
Solution Approach 2:
The offset arrangement of the double-walled partition utilizes the lateral dimension more efficiently. Instead of increasing wall thickness in one direction, the walls are positioned at different lateral locations, creating a staggered configuration that provides stability while maximizing the remaining space available for storing small parts.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
A compartment divider for assortment boxes or similar items is proposed, designed as a single-piece, deep-drawn plastic component. The compartment divider comprises a surrounding rim (1) formed by side walls, a base (2), and at least one partition (4). The partition is double-walled, resulting in increased stability. Grooves (7) for inserting additional subdivisions (9), which are also produced during the deep-drawing process, may be provided.