Linear Guide Assembly Clips for Faster Protective Packaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current packaging methods for linear guide assemblies, such as plastic bags or sheets secured with tapes or cable ties, are time-consuming for wrapping and unwrapping, leading to inefficiencies and increased waste and costs.
Innovation Solution
The use of elastically deformable clips made of plastics, which can be easily attached and detached from the rail, serving as stops and ties, allowing for faster packaging and reducing waste by utilizing pre-existing rail grooves or edges, and can be collected for reuse.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If plastic bags or sheets are used with tapes or cable ties for packaging, then the linear guide assembly is protected during shipping, but the wrapping and unwrapping process becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging system is segmented into reusable rigid elements (the linear guide assembly itself) and disposable soft elements (plastic bag or sheet). The clips attach to the rigid structure and secure the soft packaging material, allowing for quick attachment and detachment without complex wrapping processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The plastic bag or sheet is prepared in advance and the clips are pre-positioned on the linear guide assembly. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for complex on-site wrapping, reducing the time required for packaging while maintaining protection during shipping.
2Reliability
If traditional packaging materials like tapes and cable ties are used, then the linear guide assembly is secured, but waste and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging system distinguishes between reusable components (the clips and the linear guide assembly) and disposable components (the plastic bag or sheet). The clips are designed to be recovered and reused multiple times, while only the soft packaging material is discarded, significantly reducing waste and costs compared to traditional single-use tapes and cable ties.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses inexpensive disposable plastic bags or sheets that can be easily replaced, while the expensive clips are reused. This approach minimizes waste of valuable materials while keeping the disposable packaging cost-effective.
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
This solution enables faster packaging, reduces waste and costs by simplifying the attachment and detachment process, and allows for efficient handling and sealing of the linear guide assembly, enhancing the overall packaging efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
at least a first elastically deformable clip made in one piece is elastically attached to the rail
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6
AI summary
A packaged linear guide assembly (10) comprises a rail (12) and a carriage (14) slidably engaged with the rail (12) so as to be linearly movable relative to the rail (12) in a longitudinal direction (100) of the rail between two opposite ends (16) of the rail (12). Elastically deformable clips (20) are attached to the rail (12), each between the carriage (14) and a respective one of the two opposite ends (16) of the rail (12), so as to limit or prevent a linear movement of the carriage (14) relative to the rail (12).