One-Piece Holder for Labeling Elements with Curved Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing holders for inscription elements are either expensive to produce in large quantities or have a secure fit, making them unsuitable for frequent use, and often damage the labeling elements during assembly.
Innovation Solution
A one-piece holder with a support element projecting forward between the holding surfaces, allowing for form-fitting insertion of the inscription element and providing a non-positive fit, made from inexpensive materials like plastic or light metal, without visible fasteners, and featuring curved edge strips and an insertion channel for easy assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If holders are made from transparent hard film strip with bending processes, then production cost is reduced, but security of fit for inscription element deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The holder is divided into a frame structure with separate holding strips on opposite sides, each equipped with holding surfaces. This segmentation allows the inscription element to be securely held between multiple contact points while maintaining a simple one-piece construction that is cost-effective to produce.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding strips project towards each other on opposite sides of the frame, creating a three-dimensional clamping structure. The holding surfaces face each other to provide secure contact with the inscription element, transforming a two-dimensional film concept into a three-dimensional secure fit structure.
2Reliability
If holders are made of several parts or equipped with moving parts, then security of fit is improved, but production complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The frame, holding strips, and support element are merged into a single one-piece structure formed by injection molding. This eliminates the need for separate parts or moving components while maintaining secure fit through the integrated holding surfaces and support geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The single-piece frame structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the structural boundary, contains the holding strips for securing the inscription element, and includes the support element for additional stability. This multi-functionality reduces part count while enhancing security of fit.
3Ease of operation
If moving parts such as film hinges are used, then ease of operation is improved, but service life deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The moving film hinge mechanism is completely removed from the design. Instead, the inscription element is inserted and removed by sliding it along the access opening between the stationary holding strips, eliminating wear-prone moving parts while maintaining operational ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding strips with their holding surfaces automatically secure the inscription element through friction and geometric constraint when inserted. The structure self-secures the element without requiring hinges or additional fastening mechanisms, ensuring long service life while remaining easy to operate.
4Reliability
If inscription element is clamped with multiple parts, then security of fit is improved, but risk of damage during assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The holding surfaces on the holding strips provide localized contact points that distribute clamping forces evenly across the inscription element. The support element adds localized support at the rear, securing the element through multiple gentle contact points rather than concentrated clamping forces that could cause damage.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The holder (1) has a frame (5) whose two opposite sides (6) are provided with projecting holding bars (7) on a rear facing support surface (8). An access opening (19) is provided at the rear side (15) of the rear wall. One support element (9) is provided at the two sides of the rear wall through the two support surfaces. The support element is formed in the frame. The support element is more curved than the skirt (11). The access opening is extended to the other side by a finger width operating hole.