S-Profile Coupling Element for Secure Papercraft Display Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coupling elements for papercraft displays are unreliable in assembly and prone to accidental unhooking, leading to potential damage when loaded, especially during transport or movement.
Innovation Solution
A coupling element comprising a female portion with half-bell and curved profiles and a male portion with elongated 'S' profiles and reliefs, designed to securely lock in position, ensuring stable attachment of shelves to side walls using a polymeric material like styrene-butadiene block copolymer or biodegradable PBAT.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional coupling elements are used to attach shelves to side walls, then assembly can be performed, but the mechanical coupling is unreliable and prone to accidental unhooking
Solution Approach 1:
The male portion features an elongated S-shaped profile with curved transitions, while the female portion has corresponding curved recesses. These curved profiles enable smooth insertion and automatic engagement, eliminating the need for forceful assembly while ensuring reliable mechanical coupling that resists accidental unhooking.
Solution Approach 2:
The male portion with S-shaped profile is inserted into the corresponding recess of the female portion, creating a nested configuration where the tab fits within the opening. This nested structure provides secure mechanical coupling while maintaining ease of assembly through straightforward insertion motions.
2Strength
If conventional coupling elements are used, then assembly can be performed, but they can be accidentally unhooked causing damage when loaded
Solution Approach 1:
The S-shaped profile with its curved geometry creates a mechanical interlock that requires significant force to disengage. The curved surfaces guide the mating parts into proper alignment and maintain continuous contact, preventing accidental unhooking while supporting loaded shelves during transport and movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling element geometry is optimized with specific curvature radii and profile dimensions that maximize engagement strength. The S-shaped profile parameters are designed to provide adequate mechanical strength for supporting glass containers and other products while maintaining resistance to accidental unhooking forces.
3Force
If simple mechanical coupling is used, then assembly is easy, but the coupling cannot withstand considerable weights during transport
Solution Approach 1:
The elongated S-shaped profile distributes mechanical stresses along its curved length, enabling the coupling to withstand considerable weights from loaded shelves during transport. The curved geometry provides inherent mechanical advantage, allowing the coupling to bear heavy loads without requiring complex reinforcement structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling element is divided into distinct male and female portions with complementary S-shaped profiles. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall structural integrity for withstanding transport loads.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1e
Figure 2a~2e
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present invention relates to a coupling element (1) for papercraft displays (4), said coupling element (1) comprising a first portion or female portion (2) and a second portion or male portion (3). Said female portion (2) has a flat body (21) on which there is obtained at least one opening (22) in correspondence of which there are two small walls (23, 24) projecting on said opening (22) and opposing each other in such a way as to leave a passage space (25). A first small wall (23) projecting from a first side or lower side of the opening (22) has a half-bell shaped profile with the convex portion facing the opening (22). The second small wall (24) projecting from a second side or upper side of the opening (22), opposite to the first side, has a curved profile with the concave portion facing the opening (22). Said male portion (3) has a flat body (31) and at least one tab (32) projecting from a face of said flat body (31). Said at least one tab (32) has an elongated "S" profile and a relief (33) in correspondence of the point of curvature change of said elongated "S" profile. Said coupling element (1) is configured in such a way that said at least one tab (32) of said male portion (3) is adapted to be inserted in said passage space (25) of the respective at least one opening (22) of said female portion (2), locking in position when the relief portion (33) of said tab (32) abuts with said second small wall (23), resulting blocked by said two small walls (23, 24) of said female portion (2).