Snap-Fit Polymer Display Crate for Sneaker Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional storage solutions for sneakers are not stylish, durable, or suitable for displaying expensive sneakers, as they are easily damaged and lack aesthetic appeal.
Innovation Solution
A kit of parts for a display crate that can be assembled tool-free and adhesive-free, featuring snap-fitted panels made of injection-moulded polymer, providing a robust, self-supporting, stackable, and decorative storage solution for sneakers, which can be assembled in under 20 seconds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional cardboard shoe boxes are used for storage, then shipping and manufacturing costs are low, but the boxes are easily damaged and not stylish for displaying expensive sneakers
Solution Approach 1:
The display crate is divided into multiple separate panels (front, rear, left, right, top, bottom) that can be manufactured individually and then assembled together. This segmentation allows each panel to be optimized for strength while keeping individual manufacturing costs low, and the complete structure gains enhanced durability through the assembled configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The display crate panels are made from injection-moulded polymer material, which provides superior strength and durability compared to conventional cardboard. The polymer material allows the crate to be both robust for protecting expensive sneakers and cost-effective for manufacturing and shipping.
2Ease of manufacture
If pre-assembled display crates are shipped to consumers, then assembly quality is consistent, but shipping costs are high and storage space is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The display crate is segmented into multiple panels that can be flattened and shipped in a compact state, significantly reducing shipping costs and storage space requirements. The segmented panels are designed with alignment features that guide consumers through simple assembly without requiring tools or specialized skills.
Solution Approach 2:
The display crate incorporates self-aligning features and snap-fit connections that enable consumers to easily assemble the crate themselves without requiring tools, adhesive, or specialized skills. The design includes alignment guides and intuitive connection mechanisms that make the assembly process straightforward and tool-free.
3Ease of operation
If tool-free and adhesive-free assembly is implemented, then consumer assembly is simplified, but assembly mechanisms must be sufficiently robust to ensure durability
Solution Approach 1:
The display crate uses self-service assembly mechanisms where panels connect through snap-fit joints that require no tools or adhesive. The joints are designed to be engaged by simple pressing or snapping actions while providing robust connections that ensure the durability and structural integrity of the assembled crate.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the display crate is designed to be stackable and rigid, then storage efficiency and protection are improved, but the complexity of the panel design increases
Solution Approach 1:
The display crate is segmented into standardized panels with consistent thickness and connection features, which simplifies the overall design while enabling stackability and rigidity. The modular panel design allows panels to be reused in different configurations and stacked vertically for efficient storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The panels are designed with universal connection features that allow them to function in multiple positions and configurations. Each panel can serve as a side, top, or bottom panel depending on its orientation, and the standardized design enables stacking and various assembly configurations without increasing individual panel complexity.
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A kit of parts (2) for a display crate (4) for protecting and displaying a pair of sneakers, the kit comprising a plurality of individual panels for adhesive-free, tool-free, snap-fit assembly together to form a self-supporting, stackable, rigid crate, the kit comprising: (i) a base panel (6) having a front edge (18), a rear edge (20) and two side edges (22, 24) extending between the front and rear edges, the front edge having a first hinge fitting; (ii) a front door panel (26) having a second hinge fitting (28), the first and second hinge fittings being adapted to be coupled together thereby hingedly to fit a lower edge (30) of the front door panel to the front edge of the base panel; (iii) a pair of side panels (46, 48), each side panel having a lower edge (50, 52) adapted to be snap-fitted to a respective one of the side edges of the base panel, each side panel having a rear edge (54, 56) and an upper edge (58, 60); (iv) a rear panel (62), the rear panel having a lower edge (63) adapted to be snap-fitted to the rear edge of the base panel, and the rear panel having side edges (64), each side edge being adapted to be snap-fitted to the rear edge of a respective side panel, and an upper edge (68); and (v) a top panel (74) having a front edge (76), a rear edge (78) and two side edges (80, 82) extending between the front and rear edges, wherein the rear edge and the two side edges of the top panel are adapted to be snap-fitted, respectively, to the upper edge of the rear panel and the upper edges of the pair of side panels.