Fixing Member Bent Connection Part Deformation Guidance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fixing members for apparatuses with casters, when subjected to external forces like shakes or shocks, undergo plastic deformation, leading to a decrease in operability and detachment efficiency due to their design, which is prone to inclination and deformation.

Innovation Solution

A fixing member with an engagement part, an attachment part, a connection part featuring a bent section, and a load receiving part, where the connection part's end is positioned on the rear side relative to the engagement part, allowing for stable engagement and deformation guidance, thereby maintaining operability even after plastic deformation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the engagement type fixing member is used to make attachment easier, then the attachment ease is improved, but the fixing member becomes prone to plastic deformation under external force

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment easeVSAvoidresistance to plastic deformation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing member is divided into distinct functional parts: an engagement part for insertion through the through hole, a connection part with a bent section for structural support, and a load receiving part for force absorption. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function optimally while maintaining overall reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The load receiving part is designed to receive and absorb external forces such as shakes or shocks before they can cause plastic deformation of the engagement part. This beforehand cushioning protects the critical engagement section from deformation while maintaining the ease of attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Ease of operation

If the fixing member height is made larger than the distance between apparatus and base surfaces, then the engagement part can be properly inserted, but the fixing member becomes inclined and prone to deformation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveengagement part insertionVSAvoidfixing member inclination

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The connection part includes a bent section that introduces a lateral dimension to the structure. This bending allows the fixing member to accommodate the height difference between the apparatus lower surface and base upper surface while preventing inclination, as the bent section absorbs the dimensional discrepancy through its geometric configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Stability of the object's composition

If the connection part has a bent part to prevent inclination, then the stability is improved, but the plastic deformation under external force increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixing member stabilityVSAvoidresistance to plastic deformation

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The bent section is strategically positioned in the connection part to provide local structural support where needed. This localized reinforcement prevents inclination without creating excessive stress concentration that would lead to plastic deformation. The bent section's geometry is optimized to distribute forces evenly through the connection part.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 proposed fixing member design minimizes the decrease in operability related to detachment by guiding deformation through the bent part, ensuring stable engagement and efficient detachment, even under external loads, and acts as a buffer to absorb forces, maintaining functionality.

Implementation Method 1

When external force such as a strong shake or shock is given in a state where the fixing member is attached to an apparatus and a base, the fixing member may be plastically deformed

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The plastic deformation changes a dimension of the fixing member, thereby leading to a risk of a decrease in operability related to detachment

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPlastic deformation: Plasticity

Data Source

PatentUS20240103412A1Fixing member

Publication Date: 2024.03.28 FUJIFILM BUSINESS INNOVATION CORP

AI summary

A fixing member that fixes a lower surface of an apparatus having a caster to an upper surface of a base includes: an engagement part that is inserted through a through hole provided in the lower surface of the apparatus, extends along an upper side of the lower surface of the apparatus, and is engaged with the lower surface of the apparatus; an attachment part that extends along an upper side of the upper surface of the base so as to face the engagement part and is attached to the upper surface of the base; a connection part that has a bent part bent away from the engagement part, is attached to the engagement part at one end thereof and is attached to the attachment part at the other end thereof, and connects the engagement part and the attachment part by passing through the through hole; and a load receiving part that receives a load by making contact with a lower side of the lower surface of the apparatus. The one end of the connection part is located on a rear side relative to the other end of the connection part in a direction in which the engagement part extends.