Frangible Connector for Compact Hearing Protection Packaging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hearing protection devices face challenges in packaging efficiency due to the need for separate clips to maintain the compact configuration of elongated connectors, which occupy space and require additional steps, leading to larger packaging sizes and increased complexity.
Innovation Solution
A hearing protection device featuring a frangible attachment element in the elongated connector that temporarily connects its portions, allowing the connector to be compacted and packaged without external clips, and can be easily converted to an elongated configuration by breaking the attachment element, simplifying manufacturing and packaging processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If separate clips are used to maintain compact configuration of elongated connectors, then the connector can be kept compact during packaging, but packaging size increases and packaging complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment element is integrated directly into the elongated connector structure, merging the function of connecting portions with the connector itself. This eliminates the need for separate external clips, thereby reducing packaging size while maintaining the compact configuration stability during shipping and storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment element serves multiple functions: it connects portions of the elongated connector to maintain compact configuration, and it is built-in as part of the connector structure. This multi-functionality allows the same component to provide both structural integrity and compactness without requiring additional packaging materials.
2Stability of the object's composition
If separate clips are used to maintain compact configuration of elongated connectors, then the connector can be kept compact during packaging, but packaging process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the attachment element directly into the connector structure, the packaging process is simplified. The connector arrives pre-configured with its attachment elements, eliminating the need for separate steps to apply external clips during packaging, thereby reducing packaging process complexity.
3Volume of stationary object
If the elongated connector is kept in compact configuration without attachment elements, then packaging size is reduced, but the connector cannot maintain compact configuration during storage and transport
Solution Approach 1:
The elongated connector is divided into multiple portions that can be connected or disconnected. The attachment elements enable these segments to be joined together to form the complete connector, allowing the connector to be packaged in a compact segmented state while maintaining configuration stability when assembled.
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments of a hearing protection device and a method of forming such device are disclosed. The hearing protection device includes a first hearing protector, a second hearing protector, and an elongated connector including a first end that is connected to the first hearing protector and a second end that is connected to the second hearing protector. The device further includes a frangible attachment element disposed between a first portion of the elongated connector and a second portion of the elongated connector that temporarily connects the first portion to the second portion such that the elongated connector is in a compact configuration. The elongated connector is adapted to be disposed in an elongated configuration when the frangible attachment element is broken.