Non-rigid Net Intersection Assembly via Central Locking Component

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Solution Overview

Problem

The assembly of large net structures, such as cargo nets, is cumbersome and prone to mistakes due to the need for stitching, which introduces weak points and increases production costs, and existing solutions are limited by the rigidity and directional loading capabilities of net devices.

Innovation Solution

A network intersection structure comprising a first elongate non-rigid element with an axially-oriented bore and transverse passage, a second elongate non-rigid element with transverse passages, and a central component that secures them without stitching, allowing for flexible alignment and secure interlocking without the need for stitching.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If stitching is used to secure network intersections, then the elements are permanently locked together, but the stitches create weak points and increase production time and cost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintersection strengthVSAvoidstitch reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and eliminates the stitching process entirely from the network intersection assembly. Instead of using stitches to secure elements, the patent uses a mechanical interlocking system where a second element passes through a bore in the first element and is secured by a locking mechanism integrated into the elements themselves, removing the weak point of stitches while maintaining permanent fixation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces a central component or locking mechanism that acts as an intermediary between the first and second elements. This intermediary element passes through the bore and secures the intersection without requiring stitching, thereby strengthening the joint while eliminating the reliability issues associated with stitches.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Stability of the object's composition

If stitching is used to assemble large net structures, then elements are permanently fixed, but the assembly process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenet structure stabilityVSAvoidassembly speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention applies preliminary action by pre-forming the bore and locking features in the elements before assembly. The first element is manufactured with a pre-formed bore and integrated locking mechanism, allowing the second element to be quickly inserted and secured without time-consuming stitching operations, thereby maintaining structural stability while dramatically improving assembly productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Manufacturing precision

If traditional stitching methods are used, then intersections are secured, but correction of mistakes becomes even more time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintersection alignmentVSAvoidcorrection time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The invention implements self-service through self-aligning and self-locking features. The bore and locking mechanism are designed to automatically guide and secure elements in the correct position during assembly, eliminating the need for precise manual stitching and making corrections straightforward by simply removing and reinserting elements without damaging the structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Strength

If rigid rods are encased in flanged webbing, then directional rigidity is achieved, but the device can only be loaded in one direction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedirectional rigidityVSAvoidloading direction
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The invention applies dynamics by using non-rigid, flexible elements instead of rigid rods. The first and second elements are made of flexible material that can bend and adapt to loading from multiple directions. The bore and locking mechanism maintain structural integrity while allowing the elements to dynamically respond to forces applied from any direction, thereby achieving multi-directional adaptability while maintaining necessary rigidity at the intersection points.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3110688B1Network intersections, method for their assembly and devices comprising them
Publication Date: 2019.01.30 WISLA NARROW FABRICS
  • EP3110688B1 patent drawingFigure 1~6
  • EP3110688B1 patent drawingFigure 5
  • EP3110688B1 patent drawingFigure 7a~10

AI summary

In network intersection structures for netting, devices comprising them and methods for their assembly,a first elongate non-rigid element (2), a second elongate non-rigid element (6) and an elongate central component (7) are provided. The first non-rigid element (2) comprises a longitudinal axis (3), a width (5) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (3), an axially-oriented bore (4) and a transverse passage (9) extending across the whole width (5) of the first non-rigid element (2). The second non-rigid element (6) comprises a longitudinal axis (11), a width (12) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (11) and a transverse passage (13) extending across the whole width (12) of the second non-rigid element (6). The central component (7) is positioned within the axially-oriented bore (4) of the first non-rigid element (2) and the transverse passages (9, 13) of the first and second non-rigid elements(2,6).