Compact Elastic Loop Storage Card with Foldable Separator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing containers for elastic loops are too large, difficult to use, prone to tangling and breakage, and not designed for convenient storage in wallets, leading to friction-induced damage and loss of elasticity.
Innovation Solution
A compact, card-shaped container with a foldable sheet and pivotally attached separator, featuring notches to separate loops and a crease for easy folding, allowing the container to fit within a wallet while protecting the loops from damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If elastic loops are stored in a box or purse, then they are protected from breakage, but they become bunched up and disorganized
Solution Approach 1:
The storage device is divided into multiple compartments or sections within the container, allowing individual elastic loops to be separated and organized rather than bunched together. This segmentation maintains protection while preventing tangling.
2Ease of operation
If the card is made long to hold loops, then loops can be wrapped around it, but it becomes too wide to fit in a wallet
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic loops are nested around a compact card structure that can be folded or collapsed to a small size. The card serves as a core around which loops are wrapped, but the entire assembly can be condensed to fit within a wallet when not in use.
3Reliability
If the card is made stiff to hold loops securely, then loops are stabilized, but it becomes difficult to remove loops
Solution Approach 1:
The card structure incorporates flexible elements or movable sections that allow it to be temporarily softened or opened to facilitate loop removal, then returns to its stiff state for secure storage. This dynamic property enables both stable storage and easy retrieval.
4Reliability
If loops are stretched tight around the card, then they are held securely, but they become stretched out and lose elasticity
Solution Approach 1:
The card is designed with specific dimensional parameters and flexibility characteristics that allow loops to be held securely without excessive stretching. By optimizing the card's size, shape, and flexibility, the system maintains loop integrity and elasticity while providing secure storage.
Data Source
AI summary
A container for holding elastic loops therein is described. The container includes a substantially planar card having two portions with a folding section therebetween. A foldable, substantially planar sheet is included for holding elastic loops thereon. The sheet is formed such that it can be contained within the card. A separator is pivotally attached with the card. When an elastic loop is placed upon the sheet and the sheet is positioned upon the card, the separator covers a portion of the sheet such that it holds elastic loops against the sheet. Thus, the separator assists in folding both the elastic loops and sheet when the card is being folded along the folding section. For ease of storage and concealment, the card has a shape and size such that when folded, the card is of a substantially similar shape and size as a credit card for placement within a wallet.