Interlocking Panel Assembly for Transparent Modular Display Cases

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional modular display cases are heavy, lack transparency, and require mechanical fasteners or adhesives for assembly, making them cumbersome and unsuitable for displaying items that require visibility and easy disassembly.

Innovation Solution

Interlocking panels with a ball key system that use silicone rubber balls for snap-fit assembly, allowing for transparent, lightweight construction without mechanical fasteners or adhesives, and incorporating ferromagnetic targets for secure magnetic attachment of display items.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If conventional modular display cases are assembled from laser cut interlocking pieces that are glued or mechanically attached, then the structure is stable and strong, but the assembly process becomes complex and requires mechanical fasteners or adhesives

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvejoint strengthVSAvoidassembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical fasteners (screws, clips) and adhesives with a magnetic field-based joining system. Ferromagnetic targets embedded in panel edges interact through magnetic attraction to secure panels together, eliminating the need for mechanical fastening components and chemical adhesives while maintaining joint strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical state and properties of the joining mechanism by using magnetic fields instead of mechanical or chemical bonding. The ferromagnetic targets are embedded within the panel structure, and their magnetic properties enable automatic alignment and secure attachment without requiring complex assembly procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Stability of the object's composition

If modular structures are formed from wood panels with keyed mortise and tenon joints, then the joints are stable, but the structures become large and heavy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvejoint stabilityVSAvoidstructure weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical wood joints (mortise and tenon with wooden keys) with a magnetic field-based joining system. This substitution allows for lighter-weight materials to be used while maintaining joint stability through magnetic attraction between ferromagnetic targets embedded in the panel edges.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite construction by embedding ferromagnetic targets within the panel edges. This allows the use of lightweight materials (such as acrylic or thin wood) combined with magnetic elements to achieve both weight reduction and joint stability simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Strength

If conventional display cases use mechanical fasteners or adhesives for assembly, then the structure is stable, but disassembly becomes difficult and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly stabilityVSAvoiddisassembly time

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces irreversible or difficult-to-remove mechanical fasteners and adhesives with magnetic attachments that can be easily separated. The ferromagnetic targets provide secure holding force during use but allow quick disassembly by simply overcoming the magnetic attraction, dramatically reducing disassembly time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Stability of the object's composition

If traditional modular structures use wooden panels with keyed joints, then the joints are secure, but the structures lack transparency and visibility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvejoint securityVSAvoidtransparency

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional wooden panel construction with transparent materials (such as acrylic) that incorporate embedded ferromagnetic targets. This allows the display case to maintain joint security through magnetic attraction while providing full transparency for displaying collectibles, eliminating the opacity inherent in wooden structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Enables the creation of modular display cases that are lightweight, transparent, and easily assembled/disassembled, providing a safe and organized storage and display solution for collectibles and models without the need for mechanical fasteners or adhesives, while ensuring secure magnetic attachment of items.

Implementation Method 1

Each panel edge includes a ferromagnetic target embedded in or attached to the panel edge for secure attachment of adjacent panels

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

Interlocking panels with a ball key system that use silicone rubber balls for snap-fit assembly

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3429429B1Interlocking panels, modules with interlocking panels, and a modular display case with interlocking modules with interlocking panels

Publication Date: 2019.12.18 ADAIR JEFFREY

Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C
Figure 1D~1E

AI summary

Interlocking panels are assembled to form modules, and the modules are assembled to form a modular display case, for displaying, transporting and storing objects such as models, display items or valuable collectibles. The interlocking panels include interlocking side edge ball key tab including a resilient, compressible ball key, and ports for removably receiving the ball key tab and ball key.