Symmetrical Folding Model Structure with Interlocking Protrusions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional paper-made gifts are prone to damage during assembly due to interlocking slits, making them weak and difficult to assemble, especially for those less skilled in handicrafts, and disassembly is inconvenient, leading to a lack of interest in DIY assembly.

Innovation Solution

A creative assembly model structure featuring symmetrical modeling bodies with protruding parts and insertion slots, folding lines, and fitting protrusions and notches that facilitate easy assembly by folding and fixing, along with additional modeling parts for enhanced aesthetics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If interlocking slits are used to assemble paper-made gifts, then the structure can be assembled together, but the interlocking slits are easily damaged during assembly resulting in weak structure and difficulty for less skilled individuals

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of assemblyVSAvoidstructural strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the modeling body into multiple segments with protruding parts and corresponding insertion slots. Each segment can be independently assembled, reducing the complexity of the overall assembly process and making it more accessible to less skilled individuals while maintaining structural integrity through multiple connection points

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces fitting parts as intermediary elements between the protruding parts and insertion slots. These fitting parts act as mediators that facilitate the connection process, guiding the assembly together while distributing mechanical stress to prevent damage to the interlocking structures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Strength

If interlocking slits are made longer or deeper for firmness, then the finished product becomes firmer, but it becomes easier to damage the parts during assembly and disassembly becomes inconvenient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefirmness of finished productVSAvoidease of disassembly
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the connection structure with flexible fitting parts that can dynamically adjust during assembly and disassembly. The fitting parts allow the connection to be firm when assembled but easily separated when needed, providing both strength and ease of operation through dynamic mechanical behavior

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates preliminary guiding features in the fitting parts and insertion slots that prepare the components for easy assembly. The guiding features align the parts correctly before final connection, reducing the force needed during assembly and making disassembly equally easy by reversing the alignment process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If traditional interlocking slits are used, then assembly can be completed, but less skilled individuals lack interest due to difficulty in assembly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly completionVSAvoidease of DIY assembly
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the assembly structure to be self-aligning and self-assembling. The protruding parts and insertion slots are configured to automatically guide each other into the correct position, and the fitting parts automatically engage when the components are brought together, eliminating the need for skilled manual manipulation and making DIY assembly accessible to everyone

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4344898B1Creative assembly model structure
Publication Date: 2025.07.02 TSAO CHUNG PIAO
  • EP4344898B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4344898B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4344898B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A creative assembly model structure is disclosed. The creative assembly model structure comprises a base and two modeling bodies, wherein a top surface of the base includes a plurality of first insertion slots to insert the two modeling bodies; the lower end of each of the two modeling bodies includes two first protruding parts to be inserted into the plurality of first insertion slots, the central position of each of the two modeling bodies includes at least one fitting part to assemble the two modeling bodies with each other, each of the two modeling bodies has a left-right symmetrical shape to facilitate folding in half, and each of the modeling bodies includes a plurality of modeling holes and a slit configured below the plurality of modeling holes to hang ornaments therein. In addition, the top surface of the base of the creative assembly model structure further includes a plurality of second insertion slots to insert a plurality of modeling parts for increased aesthetics.