Removable Sliceform Attachment via Interlocking Tabs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for securing sliceforms to foldable articles, such as greeting cards and books, often result in permanent attachment, which is undesirable, and typically require adhesives or excess material, leading to inefficiencies and design limitations.
Innovation Solution
The use of threading tabs and retaining portions through openings in the sliceform, allowing for secure attachment without adhesives and enabling easy removal by manipulating the retaining portions to pass back through the openings, along with interlocking slits and slots for secure coupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sliceforms are permanently affixed to foldable articles using adhesives, then the attachment is secure and reliable, but the sliceform cannot be removed and excess material is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is divided into separate components: tabs on the foldable article and corresponding openings with retaining portions on the sliceform. This segmentation allows the sliceform to be securely attached when assembled but easily removed by manipulating the retaining portions, resolving the contradiction between secure attachment and removability.
Solution Approach 2:
The tab and opening structure acts as an intermediary mechanical fastening system between the foldable article and sliceform. This intermediary mechanism provides secure attachment during use while enabling clean removal without adhesives, eliminating both the reliability-removability contradiction and the material waste issue.
2Reliability
If sliceforms are permanently affixed using adhesives, then the attachment is secure, but the process requires adhesives and creates material waste
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the chemical bonding system (adhesives) with a mechanical fastening system consisting of tabs and openings with retaining portions. This mechanical substitution eliminates the need for adhesives, preventing material waste while maintaining secure attachment through the interlocking tab-opening structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The tab and opening structures are designed as simple, minimal-material components that can be easily manufactured and discarded if needed. This approach uses minimal material compared to adhesive applications and allows for clean removal without damaging the sliceform or foldable article.
3Stability of the object's composition
If sliceforms are permanently affixed, then the structure is stable, but removal damages the sliceform and foldable article
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system transitions from a static permanent bond to a dynamic reversible connection. The retaining portions can be manipulated to release the tab from the opening, allowing the sliceform to be removed and reattached multiple times without damage, while maintaining structural stability during the attached state.
Data Source
AI summary
A foldable article having a sliceform removably secured to one or more panels of the foldable article. A tab having a retaining portion may extend from at least one of the one or more panels of the foldable article. The tab may pass through an opening in the sliceform and the retaining portion may be wider than the width of the opening. The retaining member may be manipulated to pass through the opening to removably secure the sliceform to, and/or detach the sliceform from, the foldable article.