Self-Locking Tab Connection for Three-Dimensional Structures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing three-dimensional structures made of paper, cardboard, or plastics materials using tab connections, such as insertion tabs, lack reliable fastening without additional securing elements, especially under load conditions.
Innovation Solution
A three-dimensional structure featuring a tab carrier with a tab that extends in its plane and passes through a cut-out in a contact surface, where the contact surface has a pivotable or bendable portion with a straight bending line running through the cut-out, allowing for elastic deformation of the cut-out's edge region to form a self-locking undercut with the tab.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional securing elements (fixing tabs) are used to prevent transverse shifting, then reliability of fastening is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the securing function from a separate fixing tab and integrates it into the insertion tab itself. The insertion tab is designed with a geometry that automatically prevents transverse shifting through its own structure, eliminating the need for additional securing elements while maintaining fastening reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the insertion function and the securing function into a single integrated tab structure. The insertion tab combines both the insertion capability and the transverse shifting prevention in one element, reducing device complexity while maintaining reliability.
2Device complexity
If insertion tabs are used without additional securing, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability of fastening deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The insertion tab is designed to be self-securing through its own geometry. The tab's shape and the way it interacts with the receiving structure automatically prevent transverse shifting without requiring external securing elements. The tab serves both insertion and securing functions through its self-contained design.
3Reliability
If complex securing mechanisms are implemented, then fastening reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the complex multi-step securing process and replaces it with a single insertion motion. The extracted securing function is embedded in the tab's geometry, allowing the user to achieve both insertion and securing in one simple action, greatly improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The tab connection system performs the securing action automatically through its own geometry during the insertion process itself. No additional manual operations are required - the tab's design causes it to secure itself as it is inserted, making the operation as easy as simple insertion.
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 solution provides a reliable, self-locking tab connection that does not require additional securing elements, maintaining stability even under load, and allowing for easy handling and assembly by folding or bending the contact portion.
Implementation Method 1
At least one edge region of the cut-out is formed in the contact portion and is configured to be elastically deformable counter to a restoring force such that, as a result of a pivoting movement of the contact portion about the bending line, the edge region is capable of being brought into contact with an end face of the tab. As the pivoting movement continues, the edge region is capable of being elastically deformed and deflected by means of the end face of the tab.
Data Source
AI summary
A three-dimensional structure includes a tab carrier, and a tab connection for fastening the tab carrier to a contact surface. The tab carrier has a tab that extends in a plane of the tab carrier and passes through a cut-out in the contact surface. The contact surface has a contact portion that is pivotable or bendable about a bending line. An edge region of the cut-out is formed in the contact portion and is configured to be elastically deformable counter to a restoring force such that, as a result of a pivoting movement of the contact portion about the bending line, the edge region is capable of being brought into contact with an end face of the tab. The edge region is capable of being elastically deformed by the end face of the tab, so that the tab enters the cut-out and forms an undercut with the contact portion.