Extendible Protective Module Coupling With Elastic Locking Tabs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing extendible protective devices for workshops are cumbersome to assemble, require time-consuming connection of tabs to adjacent modules, and often involve working with hands in cutting zones, leading to potential injuries and accessibility issues.
Innovation Solution
The protective device employs flexible, elastically deformable tabs with specific shapes and configurations, allowing for quick assembly and disassembly without additional parts, by using male and female tabs that twist and lock for secure coupling, and a flexible distance limiting element for adjustable extension.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If auxiliary connection means (riveted buttons, overturned hems) are used to connect tabs to adjacent modules, then the connection between modules is secure, but the assembly time increases and accessibility to cutting zones becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The tabs are designed to be self-connecting through elastic deformation. The connecting protrusions on one tab automatically engage with the receiving recesses on the adjacent tab when the modules are brought together, eliminating the need for separate auxiliary connection means. This self-service mechanism reduces assembly time while maintaining secure connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The tabs utilize elastic deformation as a key parameter change. By designing the tabs with elastic properties, they can temporarily deform during connection and then return to their original shape to lock securely. This parameter change enables quick connection without complex auxiliary means, resolving the contradiction between secure connection and assembly time.
2Reliability
If auxiliary connection means are used to connect tabs, then the connection is secure, but the complexity of assembly increases due to multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the connection function directly into the tabs themselves. The connecting protrusions and receiving recesses are integrated features of the tab structure, eliminating the need for separate auxiliary connection components. This merging simplifies the overall device complexity while maintaining secure connections between modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the auxiliary connection means from the system and replaces them with the intrinsic elastic properties of the tabs. By taking out the separate connection components and using only the tab structures themselves for connection, the device complexity is reduced while connection reliability is maintained through the elastic locking mechanism.
3Ease of manufacture
If hands are used to work in cutting zones during assembly, then the tabs can be connected, but the risk of operator injury increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tabs perform the connection operation themselves through elastic deformation and automatic engagement. The connecting protrusions automatically insert into and lock with the receiving recesses without requiring manual manipulation in the cutting zones. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for operators to place hands in dangerous cutting areas while maintaining assembly feasibility.
4Device complexity
If the protective device is designed with fixed geometry, then the structure is simple, but the adaptability to different access needs is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The protective device is divided into multiple modular panels that can be independently positioned. Each panel with its elastic tabs can be connected or disconnected from adjacent modules, allowing the overall structure to be reconfigured. This segmentation enables the device to adapt to different access needs while maintaining relatively simple individual panel structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective device incorporates dynamic reconfigurability through the elastic tab connections. The panels can be easily moved between connected and disconnected states, allowing the geometry to change dynamically based on access requirements. This dynamic capability provides adaptability without requiring complex fixed-geometry designs for each configuration.
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
This design significantly reduces assembly time, minimizes risks of operator injury, and simplifies the process by enabling rapid connection and disconnection of modules with a secure, yet easily releasable, locking mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
The anchoring portion has flexible tabs (32, 33) connected to the supporting wall (31) and configured for making an elastic coupling, towards and/or away from, between the module (10) and the adjacent modules (10)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 1A
Figure 2
AI summary
Described is a protective device (100) comprising a plurality of protective modules (10), each comprising an upper panel (20) and a supporting wall (31) integral with the protective panel (20) and transversal to it; the connection of the module (10) to an adjacent module (10) being achieved by a plurality of flexible tabs (32, 33) extending from the supporting wall (31) and configured for making an elastic coupling, towards and/or away from each other, between the module (10) and the adjacent module (10); wherein each of the flexible tabs (32, 33) has a first end elastically connected to the supporting wall (31) and a second end, opposite the first, having a shape (34) configured for achieving a direct shaped coupling with a corresponding tab (32, 33) of an adjacent module (10).