Pivoting Tabs for File Folder Transport Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional transport devices for file folders are not stable, easy to handle, or secure, often requiring manual carrying and restricting movement, and existing solutions are either unstable or complicated to use.
Innovation Solution
A transport device with a frame that includes a base plate, cover plate, and side plates connected via tabs, which are pivotable to securely hold the file folder, along with a belt for additional stability and a latch for easy opening, allowing for one-handed operation and visibility of the folder.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a strap-like device is used to wrap around file folders, then the device is simple to manufacture, but it is unstable and cumbersome to attach
Solution Approach 1:
The transport device is divided into a frame structure with separate base plate, top plate, and side plates that can be assembled around the file folder. This segmented approach provides stable support while maintaining ease of manufacture through modular components.
Solution Approach 2:
Tabs are introduced as intermediary elements that connect the top plate to the side plates and engage with the file folder wings. These tabs provide a reliable connection mechanism that is simpler than full side panel attachments while ensuring stable transport.
2Ease of operation
If entire side panels are opened or swung open for access, then the file folder can be easily removed, but the device becomes more complex and larger
Solution Approach 1:
The functionality of opening side panels is extracted and replaced by a simpler tab release mechanism. The tabs can be quickly released to allow file folder removal without requiring complex side panel opening mechanisms, thus maintaining ease of operation while reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of opening side panels to access the file folder, the design inverts the approach by using tabs that can be released from the top plate to allow direct access to the file folder wings, simplifying the opening mechanism while maintaining ease of operation.
3Reliability
If tabs are made longer to reach across the file folder, then the file folder is more securely held, but the file folder becomes less visible and harder to access
Solution Approach 1:
The tabs are designed with local quality - they are positioned and sized to provide secure engagement with the file folder wings at specific locations rather than spanning the entire width. This localized approach ensures secure holding while maintaining file folder visibility and accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The tabs extend partially across the file folder width rather than fully spanning it. This partial action is sufficient to secure the file folder wings while leaving the majority of the file folder visible and accessible, optimizing both security and ease of operation.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the top plate is made torsionally rigid to prevent rotation, then the overall stability of the transport device increases, but the tabs become harder to pivot
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between the top plate and side plates is segmented into a hinged joint that allows controlled rotation. This segmentation enables the top plate to remain torsionally rigid for stability while permitting the tabs to pivot easily for operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection between top plate and side plates is made dynamic through a hinge that allows rotation during tab operation. This dynamic connection provides torsional rigidity when needed for stability while allowing easy tab pivoting during use, resolving the contradiction between stability and ease of operation.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2c
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a transport device for at least one file folder (2) having a spine (3) and two wings (4), comprising a frame (5) with a base plate (6) for supporting the spine (3) of the file folder (2), a top plate (7) and two side plates (8, 9) which hold the base plate (6) and the top plate (7) at a predetermined distance (A) from each other, and two tabs (10) connected to the top plate (7) each for holding the free end (4') of one of the wings (4), wherein the tabs (10) are each shorter than the said distance (A) when viewed in the direction of the distance (a), and wherein the tabs (10) are pivotable relative to the side plates (8, 9).