Elastic Pin Memory Aid for Noiseless Quiet Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing memory aid devices with inelastic pins produce annoying snapping noises when reaching end positions, making them unsuitable for quiet environments like libraries and churches.
Innovation Solution
Designing memory aid devices with elastic-flexible pins and beaded flaps that form a frictional connection with the housing, allowing noiseless movement and secure fixation without the need for tools, and using a stop ring bead for tactile feedback in end positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If inelastic pins with spring elements are used to achieve secure fixation at end positions, then the pins can be reliably fixed in place, but annoying snapping noises are produced when reaching end positions
Solution Approach 1:
The pin material is changed from inelastic to elastic-flexible, fundamentally altering the mechanical properties. This allows the pin to deform elastically during insertion and fixation without producing snapping noises, while still achieving reliable fixation through elastic retention in the opening
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element mechanism is replaced by the inherent elastic properties of the pin material itself. Instead of using separate spring components that snap, the pin's own elasticity provides the necessary deformation and retention behavior, eliminating the harmful snapping sound
2Object-generated harmful factors
If elastic-flexible pins are used to eliminate snapping noises, then noiseless operation is achieved, but the pins may become easier to remove accidentally
Solution Approach 1:
The pin is designed as a flexible elastic element that can deform to pass through the opening and then retains itself through elastic memory. The flexibility allows noiseless insertion while the elastic properties provide secure fixation that prevents accidental removal
Solution Approach 2:
The pin transitions from a static rigid component to a dynamic elastic component that can deform during insertion and then maintain a fixed position through elastic retention. This dynamic behavior allows both noiseless operation and secure fixation
3Ease of operation
If pins are designed to be movable back and forth for operational use, then ease of operation is improved, but the risk of accidental removal increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pin material is selected to have specific elastic properties that allow controlled movement during operation while providing sufficient retention force to prevent accidental removal. The elastic modulus and other parameters are optimized to balance movability and security
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enables noiseless operation and secure fixation of pins, ensuring they can be used in quiet spaces without disturbing others and preventing accidental removal.
Implementation Method 1
The pins, which consist essentially of plastic, can be moved back and forth noiselessly in the openings as a result of their design
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a memory aid device, which is provided with a plurality of elastic pins (200), which can be manually slid into openings of a housing (100) in such a way that one of the two pin heads (201) protrudes beyond the surface of the housing while the other pin head remains in the housing. Each pin head is connected to a connecting surface (203). The connecting surfaces are each connected to two bead links (204), between which a gap (205) is provided. Before the pins (200) are inserted into the housing (100), the outer surfaces of the two bead links are concavely shaped in the manner of an elongated ellipsoid, wherein the largest diameter of the outer surfaces of the bead links is somewhat greater than the diameter of the openings of the housing. After the pins are inserted into the openings of the housing, the outer surfaces of the bead links lie against the wall of the particular opening as press-on surfaces (206) due to the elasticity of the outer surfaces of the bead links, so that the pins can be moved back and forth noiselessly. The pins (200) are made of plastic that can be injection molded.