Foldable Partition Blank with Self-Locking Tabs
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing partition systems require intricate assembly, either manual or with specialized machinery, and often involve costly gluing processes, making them time-consuming and expensive to set up, while also being less adaptable to different product sizes.
Innovation Solution
A foldable partition blank made of materials like paperboard or chipboard, with strategically designed cut lines and glue areas, allowing for efficient assembly into a knock-down flat configuration using standard machinery, which can be easily erected and inserted into containers to separate variously sized objects without complex folding or gluing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If partitions are formed by assembling multiple individual pieces with intricate folding and gluing, then the partition can be shipped in a flat position, but the assembly process becomes time-consuming and expensive requiring manual labor or specialized machinery
Solution Approach 1:
The partition is divided into a center panel and multiple outer panels that can be separately folded and assembled. Each panel is designed with specific fold lines and tab structures that allow independent manipulation and assembly, reducing the complexity of the overall assembly process while maintaining the ability to ship in a compact flat configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The partition incorporates self-assembly features including tabs that extend through apertures in the center panel to register with apertures in outer panels, creating automatic locking mechanisms. The glueless design relies on these mechanical interlocking features rather than requiring adhesive application, enabling quick assembly without specialized equipment or manual dexterity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If partitions use intricate folding and tabbing with gluing to erect, then the partition structure becomes stable, but the assembly requires expensive manual labor or specialized machines
Solution Approach 1:
The partition employs self-locking tabs that automatically engage with apertures in the center panel when folded into position. These tabs extend through the center panel and register with corresponding apertures in outer panels, creating a stable locked configuration without requiring glue or complex fastening mechanisms. The structure stabilizes itself through the mechanical interlocking of these tab-aperture assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The partition is segmented into modular panels with standardized apertures and tabs. This segmentation allows each panel to be independently manufactured and then assembled through simple insertion and locking actions. The modular design maintains structural integrity through the repeated pattern of tab-aperture connections across all panel joints.
3Area of stationary object
If partitions are designed as multiple separate pieces, then they can be shipped flat, but they require specialized machinery or manual assembly to erect
Solution Approach 1:
The partition is designed as multiple separate panels that fold flat for compact shipping. Each panel contains predetermined fold lines that guide the erection process. The segmented design allows panels to be stacked or nested in a flat configuration during shipping, minimizing the shipping footprint while enabling easy separation and assembly at the destination.
Solution Approach 2:
The erection process is simplified through self-aligning features where tabs on outer panels automatically guide insertion through apertures in the center panel. The panels are designed to self-assemble through a straightforward sequence of folding and locking actions, eliminating the need for specialized machinery or complex manual assembly procedures.
4Manufacturing precision
If partitions require intricate folding and gluing to erect, then the partition achieves proper configuration, but the process is expensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The partition achieves precise configuration through self-aligning tab and aperture mechanisms. The tabs are pre-cut and positioned to automatically register with corresponding apertures when panels are folded into place, ensuring accurate alignment without requiring manual adjustment or adhesive application. This mechanical self-alignment system maintains manufacturing precision while dramatically reducing erection time.
Solution Approach 2:
The gluing process is completely extracted from the assembly system. Instead of requiring adhesive application, curing time, and cleanup operations, the design uses pure mechanical interlocking through tabs and apertures. This extraction eliminates the time-consuming aspects of gluing while maintaining the precision of panel configuration through the rigid mechanical connection of the tab-aperture locking system.
Data Source
AI summary
Partitions comprising six cells formed from a single blank (1,20) that is folded to define four flaps (24,31; 26,32; 27,33; 29,34) and two center panels (76,78), the folders and center panels defining between them six cells to receive bottles or other objects (62).