Movable divider assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dividers require tools and often involve permanent alterations for installation, making them difficult to attach and reattach in various locations within drawers and shelves.
Innovation Solution
A divider assembly with pivotable flaps and a nano-tape adhesive surface, allowing for easy attachment and reattachment without tools, along with a telescoping design and adjustable connections for versatile placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional installation methods (nailing, gluing, clamping) are used to secure the divider, then the divider is firmly fixed and stable, but the installation requires tools and may involve permanent alteration of the divider and drawer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical installation methods (nails, screws, clamps) with an adhesive-based system. The adhesive surface on the pivotable flap provides secure fixation without requiring tools or permanent alterations to the divider or drawer structure, thus resolving the contradiction between reliable fixation and ease of installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesive surface acts as an intermediary between the divider and the drawer surface. This intermediary element enables secure attachment while avoiding the need for direct mechanical fastening, allowing for tool-free installation and potential repositioning without damage to either the divider or drawer.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the divider is firmly fixed using traditional methods, then the divider remains stable in position, but it becomes difficult to reattach or reposition in various locations
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive surface serves as a reversible intermediary that provides stable attachment when needed but allows for clean removal and repositioning. This enables the divider to maintain position stability during use while also being adaptable to different locations within the drawer, resolving the contradiction between stability and repositionability.
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesive system allows for the 'discarding' of the old position (clean removal without damage) and 'recovering' at a new position. The adhesive maintains the divider firmly in place during use but can be cleanly removed and reapplied, enabling multiple repositioning operations while maintaining stability at each location.
3Ease of operation
If the divider is designed for easy attachment without tools, then installation is simple and reversible, but the secure attachment may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes mechanical fastening systems (screws, nails, clamps) with an adhesive bonding system. This adhesive provides sufficient attachment strength to hold the divider securely while enabling tool-free installation and removal, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and attachment strength.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the divider structure is made complex to accommodate various surfaces and shapes, then the adaptability to different drawer configurations is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive surface acts as a flexible interface that can conform to various surfaces and shapes within the drawer. This flexible adhesive layer provides adaptability to different drawer configurations without requiring a complex mechanical structure, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesive-based attachment system provides universal applicability across different surfaces and drawer configurations. Rather than designing complex adjustable mechanical structures, the adhesive system universally adheres to various surfaces, simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining high adaptability.
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 tool-free installation and reinstallation of dividers in any desired location, accommodating various surfaces and shapes, including curved interfaces, while maintaining secure and adjustable storage zones.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one pivotable flap may include an adhesive surface suitable for adhering to a surface of an object in which the divider member is placed
Implementation Method 2
the at least one pivotable flap includes a flexible tongue arranged to resiliently presses against an inner surface of the base member
Data Source
AI summary
A divider assembly includes a divider guide element including a base member and at least one pivotable flap pivotally attached to the base member at a pivot. The pivotable flap may include an adhesive surface. A divider member is coupled to the divider guide element.