Draw-Bar Case Assembly Structure Using Snap-Fit Fixing Plates
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing draw-bar case assembly process is cumbersome, requiring significant labor and resulting in high labor costs and low production efficiency due to the use of screws for installation.
Innovation Solution
A structure for assembling a draw bar in a draw-bar case that utilizes snap-fitting mechanisms, including upper and lower fixing assemblies with guiding sleeves, external and internal fixing plates, and positioning holes, allowing for easy assembly without the need for multiple screws.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If screws are used to install the draw bar, then the connection strength is sufficient, but the assembly process becomes cumbersome and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the screw-based mechanical fastening system with a snap-fit mechanism. The fixing plate features elastic buckles that engage with corresponding holes in the case body, eliminating the need for screws while maintaining adequate connection strength through elastic deformation and mechanical interlocking.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the connection mechanism from rigid screw fastening to flexible snap-fit engagement. The elastic material of the buckles allows for parameter changes in terms of connection stiffness and engagement force, enabling easy assembly while maintaining sufficient holding strength during use.
2Reliability
If screws are used to install the draw bar, then the connection is secure, but the production efficiency decreases due to high labor requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The screw-based mechanical fastening system is replaced with a snap-fit mechanism featuring elastic buckles on the fixing plate. This substitution eliminates the need for tools and multiple fastening operations, significantly improving production efficiency while maintaining connection reliability through the elastic engagement of the buckles with case body holes.
Solution Approach 2:
The snap-fit mechanism is designed to be self-aligning and self-securing. The elastic buckles automatically engage with the holes in the case body when the fixing plate is inserted, eliminating the need for manual screw tightening operations and enabling workers to complete the assembly quickly without specialized tools.
3Stability of the object's composition
If multiple screws are used for draw bar assembly, then the structural stability is maintained, but the assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces multiple screw fasteners with a single fixing plate containing multiple elastic buckles. This substitution simplifies the assembly process by reducing the number of components and operations while maintaining structural stability through the distributed engagement of multiple buckles with the case body.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple screw fastening functions into a single integrated fixing plate with multiple elastic buckles. This consolidation reduces assembly complexity by eliminating the need to handle and install multiple separate screw fasteners, while the distributed buckle arrangement maintains the structural stability previously provided by multiple screws.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a structure for assembling a draw bar of a draw-bar case, which includes a case body and a drawbar mechanism. The draw-bar mechanism includes a draw bar, an upper fixing assembly, and a lower fixing assembly. The draw bar includes a handle, two movable rods, and two guiding sleeves. The upper fixing assembly includes an external fixing plate and a first internal fixing plate. The case body is provided with an accommodating groove. The external fixing plate is penetrated to form two guiding holes. The accommodating groove is penetrated to form two through holes. The first internal fixing plate is disposed in the case body for connecting the external fixing plate. The lower fixing assembly includes a second internal fixing plate forming two positioning holes and several external fixing strips connecting to the second internal fixing plate. A bottom end of the guiding sleeve is installed onto the positioning hole.