Interconnectable Package Offset Profile Ribs Angled Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing interconnectable package systems face challenges with precise alignment and dirt accumulation due to high form-fit requirements, making insertion and detachment complicated, especially when packages are canted or dirty.
Innovation Solution
The system features offset upper and lower profile ribs on one lateral surface and connectors on another, forming a guide groove for a form-fitting, detachable connection that allows angled insertion and reduces dirt accumulation by maintaining guide grooves open, enabling simpler and secure connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If dovetail connections with high form-fit are used, then stable connection is achieved, but precise alignment is required making insertion complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into two functional parts: guide ribs (providing alignment and guidance) and connectors (providing form-fitting connection). This segmentation allows the guide ribs to be longer and more gradual for easier alignment, while the connectors maintain the necessary form-fit for stable connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide ribs act as an intermediary element between the connector and the connection target. They provide a gradual alignment path that mediates the transition from loose alignment to tight form-fit connection, reducing the precision requirement at the final connection interface.
2Stability of the object's composition
If high form-fit connections are used, then stable connection is achieved, but dirt accumulation prevents insertion
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the guidance function (guide ribs) from the connection function (connectors), the design allows the guide ribs to have a more open, less prone-to-soiling structure while maintaining the form-fit connection at the connector interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide ribs extend in the longitudinal direction rather than purely vertically, creating a longer, more gradual guide path that is less susceptible to dirt accumulation and provides better self-cleaning characteristics during insertion.
3Stability of the object's composition
If dovetail connections are used, then stable connection is achieved, but canting makes detachment difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The connector design allows for dynamic adjustment during insertion and detachment. The connector can accommodate slight angular deviations and canting during the insertion process, and the detent mechanism provides controlled engagement that facilitates easier detachment compared to rigid dovetail connections.
4Stability of the object's composition
If long guide paths are used, then stable snap-fit is achieved, but insertion process becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The guidance system is segmented into guide ribs that provide gradual alignment and connectors that provide final engagement. This segmentation allows the guide path to be longer and more gradual for stability, while the connector design simplifies the final engagement step.
Data Source
AI summary
Package (1, 1a, 1b), consisting of a base (3) and a cover (2), wherein the package (1a) has connecting means (5, 6, 9) for a detachable plug connection with another package (1b), wherein at least one lower profile rib (5, 5a, 5b) is arranged on at least one lateral surface of the package (1, 1a, 1b) and at least one upper profile rib (6, 6a, 6b) is arranged at a vertical distance, which profile ribs form a form-fitting guide for at least one connector (9, 9a, 9b), which is arranged on at least one other lateral surface of the package (1, 1a, 1b), wherein the lower profile rib (5, 5a, 5b) has an offset (15) with respect to the upper profile rib (6, 6a, 6b) in the slide direction.