Indexed Stackable Stem Structure to Prevent Binding
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In the wire manufacturing industry, there is a need for compact storage solutions for stems, as they are often used to store and transport wire, and space is a premium in manufacturing facilities, necessitating efficient stacking and storage methods.
Innovation Solution
The design of a stackable stem system comprising a circular base, outer and inner ears, and uprights, which allows for incremental indexing and rotation, enabling multiple stems to be stacked securely and efficiently, facilitating compact storage and transportation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If stems are stored in a compact stacked configuration, then storage space efficiency is improved, but manufacturing tolerances may cause binding issues that prevent proper stacking
Solution Approach 1:
The stem design incorporates asymmetric features including a non-circular cross-section with flat sides and rounded corners, rather than a perfectly circular shape. This asymmetry creates inherent indexing positions that guide proper stacking orientation and compensates for manufacturing tolerances, preventing binding issues while maintaining compact storage configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The design incorporates built-in tolerance compensation features that anticipate and accommodate manufacturing variations before stacking occurs. The asymmetric geometry and indexed positions are designed to absorb dimensional variations, ensuring reliable stacking despite tolerance accumulation in the manufacturing process
2Area of stationary object
If multiple stems are stacked for compact storage, then space utilization is improved, but the complexity of ensuring proper alignment and indexing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stem design features self-indexing capabilities where the asymmetric geometry and indexed positions automatically guide proper alignment during stacking. The structure serves itself by providing built-in alignment references that eliminate the need for external alignment tools or complex positioning procedures, reducing stacking complexity while enabling compact multi-stem storage
3Stability of the object's composition
If stems are designed with features for secure stacking, then stacking stability is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetric cross-sectional geometry with flat sides and rounded corners provides inherent stacking stability through mechanical interlocking and indexed positioning. This design achieves stable stacking without requiring high-precision manufacturing features, as the asymmetric shape itself provides the stability mechanism through geometric constraints rather than precision-fit features
Data Source
AI summary
A stem may comprise a circular base, a plurality of outer ears, and a plurality of outer uprights. The circular base may have a circular outer perimeter centered on a center point of the circular base. The plurality of outer ears may protrude outwardly from the circular outer perimeter. The plurality of outer uprights may be respectively connected to each of the plurality of outer ears at a bottom end of each of the plurality of outer uprights. The plurality of outer uprights may be substantially parallel with each other and may be substantially perpendicular to the circular base. The stem may be configured to allow an additional stem to mateable stack inside the stem. The additional stem may be rotated (with respect to the stem) an incremental amount such that sides of outer ears of the additional stem may respectively contact sides of the outer uprights of the stem.