Modular Sheath Assembly with Snapping Fasteners

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sheath designs for storing knives and tools lack modularity and customization options, limiting their adaptability to different sizes and configurations.

Innovation Solution

A modular sheath assembly with a common coupling mechanism using snapping fasteners, allowing multiple sheaths to be removably coupled together, enabling customizable and personalized configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a sheath is designed as a single fixed structure, then it provides simple and reliable storage, but it lacks modularity and cannot be customized for different sizes and configurations

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovecustomizabilityVSAvoidstructure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sheath is divided into multiple individual sheath bodies, each capable of independently storing a tool. These sheath bodies can be separately manufactured and then coupled together through snapping fasteners, enabling modular customization without requiring complex integrated designs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The snapping fastener coupling mechanism serves multiple functions: it connects sheath bodies together, provides attachment points for belts or straps, and enables both serial and parallel configurations. This universal coupling system replaces the need for different connection mechanisms for different configurations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple sheaths are permanently joined together, then they form a stable assembly, but they cannot be reconfigured or adjusted

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovereconfigurabilityVSAvoidconnection stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The snapping fastener connection is designed to be dynamically adjustable rather than fixed. Users can easily attach and detach sheath bodies, change configurations from serial to parallel arrangements, and adjust the assembly as needed while maintaining secure connection during use

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If a sheath assembly allows easy disassembly for reconfiguration, then it provides flexibility, but it may compromise connection strength

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly/disassembly easeVSAvoidconnection strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

Traditional mechanical fastening systems requiring tools (screws, bolts, rivets) are replaced with a snapping fastener system that uses elastic deformation and geometric interlocking. This allows tool-free attachment and detachment while maintaining connection strength through the resilient engagement of the snapping mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP3980230B1Sheath assembly mechanism

Publication Date: 2024.03.13 FISKARS BRAND INC

Figure 1A
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Figure 2A

AI summary

A sheath 20 has a sheath body 24 having a front plate 30 and a back plate 28 spaced apart from the front plate. The front plate and back plate define a cavity 26 within the sheath body. The cavity is externally accessible through an opening 36 formed between the front plate and the back plate. Snapping fasteners 44 are positioned about a front side and a back side of the back plate. The snapping fasteners each include a male component 62 and a female component 64. The male component and female component of each fastener are mounted on opposite sides of the back plate. The male component includes a protrusion 90 extending away from the sheath body. The female component defines a recess 112 that is complimentary to the protrusion.