Snap Fit Golf Bag Assembly via Segmented Nesting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional golf bags require complex and labor-intensive assembly processes, involving riveting, which increases manufacturing time and costs, and result in large packaging volumes that lead to higher shipping costs due to weight-based fees shifting to size-based fees, and tariffs on assembled goods from countries like China, Vietnam, and South Korea.
Innovation Solution
A golf bag design utilizing snap-fit connections that eliminates the need for riveting, allowing for self-assembly by the end-user and reducing packaging volume, enabling easier and more cost-effective shipping, with components that can be assembled into a kit form for reduced shipping costs and tariffs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If riveting is used to assemble golf bag components, then the attachment is durable and reliable, but the assembly process becomes complex, labor-intensive, and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the riveting mechanical system with a snap-fit system. The snap-fit connections use elastic deformation and mechanical interlocking to achieve reliable attachment without the complex riveting process. This substitution maintains attachment durability while dramatically simplifying the assembly process, allowing end-users to assemble the bag themselves without specialized tools or facilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The snap-fit design enables self-service assembly by the end-user. The components are designed with intuitive snap-fit connections that can be assembled without specialized knowledge, tools, or manufacturing facilities. This eliminates the need for complex assembly operations while maintaining reliable attachment, directly resolving the contradiction between durability and assembly complexity.
2Ease of operation
If the golf bag is completely assembled prior to shipment, then the product is ready for use, but the package volume exceeds 82 Liters resulting in higher shipping costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the golf bag into separate modular components (base, top, flat, stay) that can be shipped individually in a compact, collapsed state. This segmentation reduces the shipping volume from over 82 liters to a much smaller package. The components are designed with snap-fit connections that allow easy assembly by the end-user, eliminating the need for pre-assembly and the associated volume penalty.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nesting arrangement where components are collapsed and stored within each other during shipping. The flat and top can be collapsed into the base, and the stay can be positioned within the collapsed structure. This nesting dramatically reduces the shipping package volume while maintaining the ability to assemble a complete, functional golf bag upon receipt.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple factories are used to manufacture different parts of the bag, then production flexibility and customization are improved, but the package size and volume increase due to shipping each component separately
Solution Approach 1:
The patent intentionally segments the golf bag into distinct manufacturing modules that can be produced in different factories. The base, top, flat, and stay are designed as separate components with standardized snap-fit interfaces. This segmentation enables distributed manufacturing and customization while the collapsed nesting arrangement ensures that shipping volume remains minimal, resolving the contradiction between production flexibility and shipping volume.
4Productivity
If snap-fit connections are used instead of riveting, then assembly time and manufacturing costs are reduced, but the attachment durability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the riveting mechanical system with an engineered snap-fit system that uses elastic deformation and mechanical interlocking. The snap-fit connections are designed with specific geometric features and material properties that provide attachment strength comparable to or exceeding traditional riveting, while enabling rapid assembly. This substitution resolves the contradiction by achieving both high productivity and maintained reliability through innovative mechanical design.
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
The snap-fit connection system simplifies assembly, reduces manufacturing time and costs, decreases shipping volumes, and allows for customization of the golf bag, thereby lowering overall costs and improving efficiency in production and distribution.
Implementation Method 1
The snap-fit connections are designed to engage with corresponding receptacles on other components, securing them together without riveting
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B~1C
Figure 1D~1E
AI summary
A golf bag includes a divider top, a base, and a plurality of stays comprising a first stay, a second stay, and a main stay having a first end opposite a second end. The golf bag further comprises a top hinge coupled to the first end of the main stay. A base hinge can be coupled to the second end of the main stay, wherein the main stay can be hingedly connected to the divider top by the top hinge, and the stay can be hingedly connected to the base by the base hinge. Other embodiment of the golf bag are also described.