Retrofit Device for Case System Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing case systems are limited in variability due to compatibility issues with non-system bodies, particularly in supporting high loads without structural integrity, and lack system connections for efficient stacking and coupling.
Innovation Solution
A retrofit device comprising one or more adapter bodies that attach to non-system bodies to convert them into system-compatible units, enabling vertical detachment and stacking, as well as secure coupling with system bodies, using compact and lightweight strip profiles with specific coupling structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If cases are designed as a closed system with coupling structures only compatible with system cases, then system integration and stacking are enabled, but variability and compatibility with non-system bodies are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces retrofit devices as intermediary components that attach to non-system bodies and provide coupling structures compatible with the case system. These retrofit devices act as mediators, enabling compatibility between non-system bodies and system cases without requiring redesign of the entire case system or the non-system bodies.
2Strength
If cases with large body heights are manufactured without feet to avoid breaking and base flexing, then load-bearing capacity is improved, but system stacking and coupling functionality is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the coupling functionality from the case body by using separate retrofit devices that attach to the bottom of cases. This allows the case base to remain simple and strong for load-bearing, while the retrofit devices provide the necessary coupling structures for stacking and system integration.
3Ease of manufacture
If retrofit devices are designed as compact strip profiles, then manufacturing simplicity and lightweight construction are achieved, but coupling structure functionality must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The retrofit devices are designed as universal components that can be attached to various non-system bodies and provide standardized coupling structures compatible with the entire case system. This multi-functionality allows a single retrofit device design to work across different applications while maintaining coupling functionality.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for designing a retrofitting device (100) for retrofitting a non-system body (102) in order to produce compatibility with a system body (10), which can be coupled to another system body (10) by means of coupling structures (30, 34, 38, 40, 44). According to the method, coupling structures (30, 34, 38, 40, 44) of the system body (10) are identified which are required in order to produce compatibility. The retrofitting device (100) is produced with coupling structures (30`, 34`, 38´, 40`, 44`) which reproduce the identified coupling structures (30, 34, 38, 40, 44), and the non-system body (102) is connected to the retrofitting device (100) such that the non-system body (102) which is connected to the retrofitting device (100) can be coupled to the system body (10) by means of the coupling structures (30`, 34`, 38´, 40`, 44`) of the retrofitting device (100) and by means of the coupling structures (30, 34, 38, 40, 44) of the system body (10).