Configurable magnetic dividers for a storage receptacle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage receptacle dividers offer limited configurability and are often not compatible with non-metallic containers, forcing users to choose between sturdy but non-configurable or configurable but unstable divider systems, failing to provide the desired flexibility in organizing storage space.
Innovation Solution
A divider system comprising elongate panels with magnetic material bands and magnets that can be magnetically attracted to form sub-compartments of varying sizes, allowing for customizable configurations within storage receptacles like drawers, containers, and shelves, even in non-metallic environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed dividers with pre-cut interlocking slots are used, then the divider system is sturdy and maintains configuration, but the configurability and adaptability to different contents is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The divider system is segmented into multiple independent panels that can be individually positioned and configured. Each panel can stand alone or combine with others, allowing flexible arrangement while maintaining structural integrity through the magnetic connection mechanism between panels.
Solution Approach 2:
The traditional mechanical interlocking slot system is replaced with a magnetic field-based connection system. Magnets embedded in panel edges create magnetic attraction forces that hold panels together without physical interlocking, enabling easier reconfiguration while maintaining connection strength.
2Adaptability or versatility
If magnets are used to interlock dividers, then configurability is improved, but the system requires metallic storage receptacles which limits compatibility
Solution Approach 1:
Metal strips are introduced as intermediary elements between the magnetic panels and non-metallic storage receptacles. These strips provide the necessary magnetic interaction surface while being compatible with non-metallic containers, allowing the magnetic divider system to work with various receptacle types without requiring the receptacles themselves to be metallic.
3Adaptability or versatility
If configurable dividers are used, then adaptability to different contents is improved, but the configuration stability and maintenance is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Magnets are pre-positioned at specific locations on panel edges during manufacturing, and panels are designed with predetermined magnetic connection points. This preliminary arrangement of magnetic elements ensures that when panels are brought together, they automatically align and lock into stable configurations without requiring precise manual positioning during assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic field connection replaces traditional mechanical fastening systems, providing both configurability and stability. The magnetic attraction force maintains panel connections firmly in place while allowing panels to be easily separated and repositioned when reconfiguration is needed, achieving both flexibility and stability simultaneously.
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 flexible and stable configuration of sub-compartments within storage receptacles, accommodating diverse contents and maintaining the selected configuration effectively, addressing the limitations of prior art by providing adaptable and durable divider solutions.
Implementation Method 1
at least a first magnet located at a first end of each of the plurality of elongate panels and positioned to magnetically attract at least one of the first band and the second band of magnetic material of a first one of the plurality of elongate panels; and at least a second magnet located at a second end of the one of the plurality of elongate panels and positioned to magnetically attract at least one of the first band and the second band of magnetic material of a second one of the plurality of elongate panels
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetic divider system for a storage receptacle including a plurality of elongate panels. Each panel may include a pair of bands of magnetic material, for example steel, extending along the length of the panel. Each panel may also include a pair of magnets located at each end and arranged to magnetically attract and attach to the pair of magnetic material bands when the end of a first panel is butted against the side of a second panel. The panels may optionally include a layer to cover the sides and/or ends of the panel, Including the magnets and magnetic material bands, for example a veneer or other material. Panels may be different lengths and a uniform height to provide a desired configuration of some sub compartments within a storage receptacle, for example a drawer, cabinet, shelf, container, and the like.