Container Divider Panel Attachment for Tolerance Fit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing panel arrangements for dividing container interiors face challenges in being inexpensive and easy to use, particularly due to manufacturing tolerances that complicate attachment to containers made from materials like mesh, which require precise fitting.
Innovation Solution
A panel arrangement with attachment devices featuring a living hinge and snap-fit mechanism, allowing for movement within the panel plane to accommodate manufacturing tolerances, comprising a plastic injection-molded component with a play between edges and openings to ensure reliable and cost-effective attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a panel arrangement uses a fixed attachment device without movement capability, then the attachment structure is simple and cost-effective, but it cannot accommodate manufacturing tolerances of containers made from mesh materials
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment device incorporates a movable member that can shift relative to the panel through an opening, transforming a static fixed attachment into a dynamic system. This movement capability allows the attachment device to self-adjust and accommodate manufacturing tolerances of mesh containers without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms or multiple components.
Solution Approach 2:
The design changes the positional parameter of the attachment device by allowing the member to move within the opening. This parameter change enables the attachment device to adapt to variations in container dimensions and positioning, effectively accommodating manufacturing tolerances while maintaining a simple overall structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a panel arrangement allows movement of the attachment device to accommodate tolerances, then adaptability to containers is improved, but the risk of misalignment or improper attachment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment device performs self-alignment through the movement of the member within the opening. As the device is attached to the container, the member automatically positions itself within the opening to accommodate tolerances, eliminating the need for precise manual alignment and reducing the risk of improper attachment while maintaining high adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The design anticipates manufacturing tolerances by providing a predetermined movement range within the opening. This beforehand cushioning allows the attachment device to absorb dimensional variations and positioning errors before they can cause misalignment or attachment failure, ensuring reliable attachment across different container variations.
3Ease of manufacture
If the attachment device is made as a single component with a living hinge, then manufacturing cost and complexity are reduced, but the flexibility and movement capability must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The living hinge creates a flexible connection between parts of the attachment device, allowing movement and deformation without requiring separate articulated components. This flexible structure maintains the necessary adaptability and movement capability while being manufacturable as a single injection-molded component, reducing complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The design merges multiple functions into a single attachment device component. The living hinge integrates the movement mechanism, connection elements, and structural support into one piece that can be injection molded, combining what would traditionally require multiple separate parts into a single manufacturable component.
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 easy and reliable attachment of panels to containers with varying manufacturing tolerances, ensuring a secure fit while maintaining cost-effectiveness and adaptability.
Implementation Method 1
The first and second parts may be interconnected, outside the periphery of the panel, by means of a living hinge
Implementation Method 2
A snap fit may be provided to keep the first and second parts in a clasping connection with the panel
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~6
Figure 7~11
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a panel for dividing the interior space of a container. The panel arrangement 1 has a panel 11 provided with an attachment device 17 adapted to affix the panel in relation the container. There is provided at least one opening in the panel, and the attachment device comprises first and second parts 29, 31 located at a respective side of the panel as well as at least one member 39, 41 reaching through the at least one opening 23. A play 49 is provided between the edges of the opening and said at least one member, such that the attachment device can be moved in at least one direction in which the plane of the panel extends.