Spring-Loaded Corner Element for Cage-Like Structure Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cage-like structures for transporting large heavy items are unstable due to the requirement for uniform board-like members and necessitate significant adaptation and machining, limiting their versatility and cost-effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
The integration of spring members with locking mechanisms allows for the secure clamping of board-like members of varying thicknesses between inner and outer wall portions, providing stability and eliminating the need for machining, with optional strap apertures and screw-through holes for enhanced stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If board-like members of uniform thickness are used, then the structure stability is improved, but the adaptability to different board dimensions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The spring member is designed to be deformable, allowing it to dynamically adjust its clamping force based on the thickness of the board-like member inserted. The spring compresses or extends to accommodate varying board thicknesses while maintaining sufficient clamping pressure, thereby providing both adaptability and stability without requiring uniform board dimensions.
2Stability of the object's composition
If board-like members are machined to precise dimensions, then the structure stability is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spring member automatically adjusts its clamping force based on the actual thickness of the inserted board-like member, eliminating the need for pre-machining boards to precise dimensions. The system self-regulates to accommodate natural variations in board thickness, thereby simplifying manufacturing while maintaining structural stability.
3Stability of the object's composition
If multiple fastening means are used to secure board-like members, then the structure stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the need for separate fastening means such as screws or clips by integrating the clamping function directly into the spring member itself. The spring member's deformation and contact forces provide sufficient securing action, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining structure stability.
4Stability of the object's composition
If board-like members are secured with separate fastening means, then the structure stability is improved, but the assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring member is pre-configured to automatically engage and clamp the board-like member upon insertion, eliminating the need for subsequent fastening operations. This preliminary clamping action occurs as the board is inserted, thereby reducing assembly time while maintaining structure stability.
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 design enables the creation of a stable and cost-effective cage-like structure that can accommodate various board dimensions without machining, ensuring secure transport of heavy items and facilitating quick assembly and disassembly.
Implementation Method 1
to be urged away from this outer wall portion by said first and second board-like members when received between said couple of wall portions while storing potential energy
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an element (1) to be arranged in a corner of a parallelepipedic cage-like structure where a bottom or a top plane of the structure meets two walls of the structure extending perpendicularly to this plane and to each other. The element (1) comprises a bottom portion (2), outer wall portions (6, 7), inner wall portions (9, 10) and wall members (16, 17) so as to receive components of said structure in the form of first and second board-like members, such as wooden planks, therebetween with wide sides of these board-like members bearing on each other. The inner wall portions (9, 10) each comprises a spring member (90, 100) configured to bear onto and urge a said second board-like member to press a said first board-like member against an outer wall portion (6, 7), so as to clamp these board-like members between a couple of inner (9, 10) and outer (6, 7) wall portions. The invention also relates to a cage-like structure provided with such elements (1) at said corners thereof.