Snap-in Locking Assembly for Display Stand
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing information display stands face issues with friction-based locking mechanisms being unspecific in length, leading to difficulties in assembly and inefficient handling between storage/transport and display positions.
Innovation Solution
An information display stand with a locking assembly featuring a tongue member and receiving member in sliding connection, utilizing protrusions and recesses for snap-in locking, and toggle joint means for efficient transition between formations, ensuring robust and easy handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If friction-based locking members are used in display stands, then the locking mechanism can maintain the stand in expanded formation, but the locking member length becomes unspecific during manufacturing, requiring excess manual work to fasten
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member is segmented into a tongue member with protrusions and a receiving member with recesses. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently with precise dimensions, eliminating the length specification issues of friction-based locking members while maintaining reliable locking through the engagement of protrusions with recesses.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the locking mechanism from friction-based to engagement-based (protrusion-recess). This parameter change transforms the locking principle from relying on friction force to relying on geometric interlocking, thereby achieving both reliable locking and ease of manufacture with specific dimensional parameters.
2Reliability
If friction-based locking members are used, then the stand can be locked in configurations, but the handling and switching between formations becomes inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The locking assembly incorporates toggle joint means that enable dynamic switching between locked and unlocked states. The toggle mechanism provides a mechanical advantage that allows rapid transition between formations with minimal manual effort, significantly improving handling efficiency while maintaining reliable locking when engaged.
3Manufacturing precision
If the locking member is too short, then it does not fit between panels, but if too long, then it creates assembly difficulties
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the locking member into tongue and receiving portions with interlocking features, the design eliminates the need for a single precisely-dimensioned locking member. Instead, each segment can be manufactured with standard dimensions, and the engagement features ensure proper fit without requiring excessive manufacturing precision or creating assembly complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
An information display stand is built up by two panels (2, 2') and two transverse locking inserts (3, 3') by means of which the stand (1) can be expanded from an idle flat state to an expanded state of use. Each locking insert (3, 3') has a tongue member and a tongue receiving member which are in sliding connection. By this sliding, the locking inserts (3, 3') can assume an extended form corresponding to the idle formation of the stand (1) and a retracted form corresponding to the expanded state of the stand (1). The tongue member and the tongue receiving member have matching engagement means which form a stopping mechanism for the locking assembly (3, 3').