Interlocking Acrylic Panels With Ball-Key Snap-Fit Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional modular display cases are often heavy, lack transparency, and require mechanical fasteners or adhesives for assembly, making them difficult to assemble and disassemble, and they do not allow for magnetic securing of display items.

Innovation Solution

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

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If conventional modular display cases are assembled from laser cut interlocking pieces or wood panels, then structural strength is improved, but weight increases and transparency is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidweight

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material parameter from traditional wood or metal to acrylic plastic, which provides both transparency and sufficient structural strength. The acrylic panels are laser-cut with precise interlocking features that maintain structural integrity while keeping the display case lightweight and transparent.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses acrylic plastic as a composite material that combines the transparency of plastic with the structural properties needed for display cases. The material is engineered to provide both aesthetic transparency and mechanical strength through its interlocking panel design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Strength

If modular display cases use mechanical fasteners or adhesives for assembly, then connection strength is improved, but ease of assembly and disassembly deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidease of assembly and disassembly

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the display case into separate interlocking panels that can be assembled and disassembled without fasteners. Each panel has complementary joining features (protrusions and recesses) that allow tool-free assembly while maintaining strong connections through precise geometric interlocking.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical fastening systems (screws, bolts, adhesives) with a geometric interlocking system based on laser-cut panel profiles. The joining strength comes from the interlocked geometry and friction fit rather than external fasteners, enabling easy assembly and disassembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Stability of the object's composition

If conventional interlocking keys are wedge-shaped, then joint stability is improved, but assembly difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvejoint stabilityVSAvoidassembly difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional wedge-shaped keys with rounded or spherical interlocking features on the panel edges. These curved features are easier to align and insert while providing sufficient joint stability through their geometric interlocking and friction fit within the complementary recesses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

4Weight of moving object

If foam containers are used for lightweight construction, then weight is reduced, but transparency and interlocking capability are lost

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveweightVSAvoidtransparency

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material from opaque foam to transparent acrylic plastic, achieving both lightweight construction and transparency. The acrylic panels are laser-cut to create precise interlocking features that provide structural integrity without requiring heavy materials.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 easy assembly and disassembly of modular structures, provides transparency for viewing, and securely holds display items with magnetic attachment, creating a stable and versatile display system.

Implementation Method 1

a ball key system that use a silicone rubber ball for snap-fit assembly

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

incorporating ferromagnetic targets for magnetic securing of items

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetism: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS10334966B2Interlocking panels, modules with interlocking panels, and a modular display case with interlocking modules with interlocking panels

Publication Date: 2019.07.02 ADAIR JEFFREY

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.