Reusable Bound-Component Dividers With Secure Releasable Coupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional bookmarks are prone to falling out of bound components, and existing place-marking devices cannot be securely coupled or reused for customization.

Innovation Solution

A polymer divider system that can be securely and releasably coupled to a bound component, allowing for writing with permanent ink and erasing, with a design that protrudes outward for easy identification and can be reused by repositioning and rewriting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional bookmarks are used to mark locations in bound components, then place-marking function is provided, but the bookmarks are prone to fall out and become lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure couplingVSAvoidreleasability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The divider is segmented into a binding engagement portion that couples to the binding mechanism and a body portion that provides the place-marking function. This segmentation allows the divider to be securely attached while maintaining ease of removal and repositioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The divider is designed to be nested within the bound component structure, with the binding engagement portion fitting into the binding mechanism's geometry. This nesting provides secure retention while allowing easy insertion and removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If existing place-marking devices are used, then marking function is provided, but they cannot be reused for customization

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovereusabilityVSAvoidcustomization capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The divider surface is designed to accept temporary markings that can be erased and rewritten, allowing the same physical object to be reused with different customization information. The surface properties enable repeated writing and erasing cycles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If dividers are designed to protrude outward for identification, then ease of identification is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveidentificationVSAvoidstructural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The divider features an asymmetric width profile where the body portion extends beyond the binding engagement portion, creating a protruding element for easy identification. This asymmetric design achieves identification functionality without requiring complex mechanical structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Data Source

PatentUS7905672B2Insertable dividers for a bound component

Publication Date: 2011.03.15 ACCO BRANDS CORP

AI summary

A system including a bound component comprising a plurality of sheets of paper and a binding mechanism binding the plurality of sheets of paper together. The system further includes a divider configured to be directly releasably coupled to the binding mechanism such that the divider can be positioned between adjacent ones of the sheets of paper. The divider is made of a polymer material. The system further includes a permanent writing instrument configured to dispense permanent markings on the divider when the divider is written upon by the writing instrument. The system further includes an erasing means for erasing permanent markings from the divider.