Nested Paper Clip System with Sheath for Secure Stacking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional paper clips are inadequate for securely holding multiple stacks of papers together without causing snagging or requiring multiple clips with different clamping forces, and they are inconvenient to handle and store.

Innovation Solution

A paper clip system comprising two paper clips positioned one above the other, each with a large and small loop, connected by a sheath that prevents the loops from catching each other, allowing for secure stacking and easy assembly/disassembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If multiple paper clips are used to hold different stacks of papers together, then the capacity to hold multiple stacks is improved, but the paper clips become entangled and can be accidentally pulled out

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of paper stacks heldVSAvoidstability of paper clip attachment
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements nesting by placing one paper clip inside another paper clip, with the inner clip holding one stack of papers and the outer clip holding multiple stacks including the inner clip. This nested configuration allows multiple paper stacks to be held together while preventing entanglement between separate clips, as the clips are hierarchically organized rather than positioned side-by-side.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Ease of operation

If paper clips are stored loosely in a storage box, then accessibility is improved, but the paper clips become entangled and require manual separation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccessibility of paper clipsVSAvoidtime to separate entangled clips
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The nested storage configuration allows paper clips to be stored in an organized hierarchy within the storage box. Each clip is nested within another in a specific sequence, maintaining their hierarchical structure during storage. This prevents random entanglement while keeping them easily accessible, as users can retrieve clips by simply pulling the outer clip without needing to manually separate tangled clips.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Device complexity

If a single large paper clip is used to hold multiple stacks, then the number of clips is reduced, but the clamping force distribution becomes uneven

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of paper clipsVSAvoidclamping force distribution
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the clamping function by using multiple paper clips of different sizes, each optimized for specific clamping requirements. The inner clip with smaller loop handles one stack with appropriate clamping force, while the outer clip with larger loop handles multiple stacks. This segmentation allows each clip to apply optimal clamping force to its designated papers, avoiding the uneven force distribution that would occur with a single large clip.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3609719B1Paper clip system with improved holding capacity
Publication Date: 2024.06.12 COLLATH CHRISTIAN
  • EP3609719B1 patent drawingFigure 1~5
  • EP3609719B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7
  • EP3609719B1 patent drawingFigure 8~10

AI summary

The invention relates to a paper clip system which consists of at least two paper clips (1) each having a large loop (2) and a small loop (3) that lies in the interior delimited by said large loop, and at least one connecting element, said connecting element being a sheath (11), comprising two flat extensive surfaces, into which each of the two paper clips (1) is inserted by one of their loops such that the two paper clips (1) are held in position by means of the sheath (11) with their remaining loop ready to clip an object to be held between said loop and the outer surface of the extensive surface of sheath (11) which faces same, wherein the two paper clip loops that are inserted into the same sheath are arranged so as to be separated and one above the other.