Phylactery Skin Folding Structure With Interlocking Flaps

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for manufacturing phylacteries are not durable or of saleable quality, failing to meet the specifications established in Jewish law for actual use.

Innovation Solution

A method involving animal skin workpieces that are cut and folded to create a phylactery with interlocking flaps and slots, providing enhanced rigidity and precision, and incorporating a structural insert to maintain dimensions and form, with all visible exterior surfaces defined by the same surface of the animal skin.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional cutting and folding methods are used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the durability and quality are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovedurabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The phylactery is divided into multiple precisely cut sections with interlocking flaps and slots. The workpiece is segmented into compartments through cutting lines that create distinct folding zones, allowing each section to be precisely positioned and secured through interlocking mechanisms rather than simple folding.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The design incorporates three-dimensional structural elements including raised borders, interlocking flaps that extend through slots, and compartments with depth. These dimensional features transform a two-dimensional folding process into a three-dimensional assembly that provides structural integrity and durability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Manufacturing precision

If simple folding is used, then the manufacturing is easy, but the rigidity and precision of external surfaces are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprecision of external surfacesVSAvoidease of manufacturing
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The phylactery structure is segmented into multiple precisely defined sections with cutting lines that create specific folding zones. Each compartment is bounded by raised borders and interlocking elements that ensure precise alignment and positioning of external surfaces during assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The traditional simple folding mechanism is replaced with a mechanical interlocking system consisting of flaps that extend through slots, tabs that fit into recesses, and raised borders that create rigid compartments. This mechanical system provides precise positioning and maintains surface accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If traditional methods are used, then the manufacturing process is straightforward, but the phylactery lacks saleable quality and durability

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovedurabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The workpiece is pre-cut with all necessary cutting lines, perforated lines, and incised lines before assembly. The flaps, slots, and structural elements are prepared in advance during the cutting stage, allowing for efficient assembly without requiring complex operations during the manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The interlocking flaps and slots are designed to self-align and self-secure during assembly. The widened end portions of flaps naturally fit into corresponding slots, and the structural elements automatically maintain the rectangular configuration without requiring additional fastening operations or complex tooling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Manufacturing precision

If multiple skin surfaces are used, then the design is more complex, but the registration and precision of external surfaces improve

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveregistration of external surfacesVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Different regions of the single skin surface are assigned different functions: the outer surface provides the primary external face with precise registration features, while the inner surface creates internal structural elements. The raised borders and cutting lines are strategically positioned to optimize surface registration without requiring multiple skin pieces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The design utilizes the third dimension by creating raised borders and interlocking flaps that extend vertically from the skin surface. These dimensional features provide precise registration and alignment without requiring additional skin surfaces, as the vertical elements create mechanical constraints that ensure accurate positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS10085581B2Method of manufacturing a phylactery and a phylactery manufactured thereby
Publication Date: 2018.10.02 GREENBERG NOAH JEREMIAH
  • US10085581B2 patent drawing
  • US10085581B2 patent drawing
  • US10085581B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method of manufacturing a phylactery, the method including providing an initial stage phylactery workpiece formed of animal skin, cutting the initial stage phylactery workpiece to define a second stage phylactery workpiece, the cutting including forming at least outline cut lines, interior cut lines and incised lines, and folding the second stage phylactery workpiece along at least some of the incised lines to define the phylactery.