Dual Notebook With Foldable Backing For Compact Storage

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing notebooks with a single set of bound papers restrict access and organization of different types of information, making it difficult to segregate and manage multiple types of content effectively.

Innovation Solution

A dual notebook design featuring two sets of bound papers separated by a flexible backing material that can be folded into a compact position, allowing for side-by-side access and organization while minimizing space, using binding mechanisms like coil or spiral binding and an elastic retaining strap for convenience.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single set of bound papers is used in a notebook, then the structure is simple and compact, but access and organization of multiple types of information is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess and organization of multiple types of informationVSAvoidnotebook structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The notebook is divided into two separate sets of bound papers (first and second sets) that can be independently accessed and organized. Each set can contain different types of information (e.g., calendars, notes), allowing simultaneous use and segregation of multiple content types without requiring a single complex binding structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If two sets of bound papers are included in a notebook, then multiple types of information can be accessed simultaneously, but the notebook size and thickness increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimultaneous access to multiple types of informationVSAvoidnotebook thickness

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

One set of papers is nested within the notebook structure formed by the binding mechanism and backing material. The first and second sets of papers are positioned to overlap or nest within each other's spatial envelope, allowing both sets to be contained within a compact thickness that is less than the sum of their individual thicknesses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Ease of operation

If the backing material is kept flat to maintain notebook structure, then the two sets of papers remain accessible, but the notebook cannot be compacted for portability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveportability and compactnessVSAvoidaccessibility of paper sets

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The backing material is designed to be flexible and movable between a flat position (when the notebook is in use and both paper sets need to be accessible) and a folded position (when the notebook needs to be compacted for portability). This dynamic configuration allows the notebook to adapt between functionality and compactness based on user needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS7823926B2Dual notebook

Publication Date: 2010.11.02 ACCO BRANDS CORP

AI summary

A dual notebook including a sheet of backing material, a first set of papers bound to the backing material and having a thickness, and a second set of papers bound to the backing material and having a thickness. The backing material is configured to be folded into a folded position wherein the folded backing material is positioned between the first and second set of papers in a thickness direction of the notebook. The backing material is movable to a flat position wherein the backing material is generally flat, and wherein when the backing material is in the flat position the first and second sets of papers are spaced apart by a distance less than the combined thickness of the first and second sets of papers.