Modular Pin-and-Ring Drawer Divider for Adaptable Space Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for dividing the interior space of drawers are fixed and cannot be easily adjusted in terms of number, shape, size, or orientation, limiting user flexibility and adaptability.
Innovation Solution
A modular system comprising a plate with uniformly distributed housings and pins, where pins can be rearranged and coupled with elastic dividing elements to create customizable areas of various shapes and sizes, allowing users to dynamically redefine the space based on their needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed tray with predetermined housings is used to divide drawer space, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the number, shape, size, and orientation of housings cannot be changed based on user needs
Solution Approach 1:
The dividing system is segmented into independent modular components: a plate with uniformly distributed housings, multiple pins that can be inserted into different housings, and elastic dividing elements that can be assembled around the pins. This segmentation allows users to reconfigure the system by moving and reassembling individual components rather than being constrained by a fixed structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static fixed structure to a dynamic reconfigurable system. The pins can be removed and reinserted into different housings, and the elastic dividing elements can be disassembled and reassembled in various configurations, enabling the drawer division to adapt dynamically to changing user needs while maintaining structural integrity through the elastic material properties.
2Ease of operation
If a fixed framework with predetermined squares is used to divide drawer space, then the structure provides stable support, but the configuration cannot be easily adjusted or reconfigured
Solution Approach 1:
The plate is pre-equipped with uniformly distributed housings at regular intervals, preparing the system in advance for multiple possible configurations. This preliminary arrangement of attachment points allows users to quickly reconfigure the system by simply moving the pins and dividing elements without requiring modifications to the base structure, thus maintaining stability while enabling easy reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows changes in key parameters such as the number, position, shape, and orientation of dividing areas by moving pins between different housings and reassembling elastic dividing elements in various patterns. The underlying plate structure remains unchanged, maintaining its stability, while the configurable parameters enable adaptation to different storage needs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If customizing drawer division for different needs is desired, then user flexibility is improved, but the cost and complexity of producing multiple fixed configurations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs universal components that can serve multiple functions and configurations. The plate with uniformly distributed housings can accommodate any pin arrangement, the pins are identical and interchangeable, and the elastic dividing elements can form various shapes and sizes. This universality allows a single set of components to provide numerous customization options without requiring multiple specialized parts, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of manufacturing multiple different fixed configurations, the system uses identical reusable components (pins and elastic dividing elements) that can be copied and rearranged in various patterns. The uniform housings on the plate provide standardized positions that can be filled in different combinations, effectively creating multiple configurations from the same set of simple, inexpensive components.
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 users to easily and cost-effectively change the layout of a drawer's interior space according to their requirements, providing a flexible and adaptable solution for organizing different types of items.
Implementation Method 1
Each dividing element 8 is closed in a ring shape and comprises at least one portion made of an elastic material. In use, the dividing element 8 is stretched and fitted around all the pins 7 of the respective group G
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
A method to divide a space, in particular the inside of a drawer, by means of a system (1) having a first pin (7VII; 7III), a second pin (7VIII; 7IX), and a dividing element (8III; 8IV), which has the shape of a ring and is at least partially made of a flexible and/or elastic material, wherein the first pin (7VII; 7III) is positioned in a first position; the second pin (7VIII; 7IX) is positioned in a second position; the dividing element (8III; 8IV) is stretched by means of the first pin (7VII; 7III) and the second pin (7VIII; 7IX), so as to define an area (SIII; SIV) inside said dividing element (8III; 8IV); the size of said area (SIII; SIV) being defined by the position of the first pin (7VII; 7III) relative to the second pin (7VIII; 7IX), the dividing element (8III; 8IV) being fitted around both the first pin (7VII; 7III) and the second pin (7VIII; 7IX).