Multi-Diaphragm Holder for Damage-Free Flexible Object Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing holding devices for flexible objects, such as towels and rags, often cause damage and inefficiency due to the use of single diaphragm mechanisms with stiff materials, which restrict size and thickness range, require finger entrapment for insertion, and lead to tearing of fragile items during removal.
Innovation Solution
A holding device employing multiple diaphragms with softer materials and deflectable tabs allows for secure retention and easy release of objects of varying sizes and thicknesses, enabling the storage of multiple items in a single compartment without damaging fragile objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a single diaphragm mechanism with stiff material is used, then the retaining force is strong enough to secure objects, but the object causes damage and excessive wear during withdrawal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single diaphragm into multiple diaphragms (first diaphragm, second diaphragm, etc.), each with their own deflectable tabs. This segmentation distributes the retaining force across multiple softer elements, reducing the damage to objects during insertion and withdrawal while maintaining adequate holding strength through cumulative effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameter of the diaphragms from stiff material to softer material. This parameter change reduces the harmful effects on objects during insertion and withdrawal, while the multiple-diaphragm configuration compensates for the reduced individual tab strength to maintain adequate retaining force.
2Device complexity
If a single diaphragm mechanism is used, then the device structure is simple, but the device can only retain objects of limited size and thickness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses multiple diaphragms stacked together, each capable of deflecting independently. This segmentation allows the device to accommodate objects of varying sizes and thicknesses, as each diaphragm can deflect to the extent needed based on the object dimensions, while the cumulative structure remains relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs deflectable tabs on each diaphragm that can dynamically adjust their position based on the size and thickness of the inserted object. This dynamic deflection capability allows the device to adapt to various object dimensions without requiring complex adjustable mechanisms.
3Strength
If stiff deflectable tabs are used, then the retaining force is sufficient, but the user's finger becomes entrapped and causes painful injury during insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of the deflectable tabs from stiff material to softer material. This parameter change allows the tabs to deflect more easily during finger insertion, preventing entrapment and injury, while the multiple-tab configuration across several diaphragms maintains adequate retaining force for securing objects.
Solution Approach 2:
The softer material of the deflectable tabs acts as a cushioning element that protects the user's finger during insertion. This beforehand cushioning prevents the harmful effect of finger entrapment and injury while the cumulative retaining force of multiple tabs maintains sufficient holding strength.
4Ease of operation
If softer diaphragm material is used, then the tab can deflect more without plastic deformation, but the retaining force of individual tab is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple diaphragms with deflectable tabs into a single integrated device. The individual retaining forces of the softer tabs are combined cumulatively, so that while each tab exerts less force individually, the total retaining force across all tabs of multiple diaphragms maintains adequate holding strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the retaining function across multiple diaphragms, each contributing a portion of the total retaining force. This segmentation allows the use of softer material with greater deflection capability in each tab, while the cumulative effect of multiple tabs provides sufficient overall retention.
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
The device effectively secures and releases flexible objects without damage, using softer materials to accommodate a wider range of sizes and reduce user injury, while optimizing space usage by allowing multiple objects to be stored together.
Implementation Method 1
The resiliency of the tabs provides a retaining force that works to secure the object
Data Source
AI summary
An object holding device featuring multiple tabbed diaphragms in embodiments of the invention solves the lack of a previously existing elegant solution to store cleaning rags, cleaning implements and other flexible objects. The preferred embodiment of the present invention features a housing containing multiple tabbed diaphragms, which in the aggregate, when used as intended by the inventor, apply enough force to an object to hold an object within the tabbed diaphragms. Said embodiment also enables its user to easily remove objects from the plurality of tabbed diaphragms without causing damage to either the object or the tabbed diaphragms.