Transportable Container Removable Panel Engagement System
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional transportable containers for professionals, such as technicians and maintenance workers, face limitations in panel replacement and versatility due to rigid fixing methods, which hinder easy removal and replacement of internal panels, reducing their utility and flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A transportable container design featuring a removable panel engagement system using a band with teeth and seats, allowing for easy insertion and extraction of the panel, utilizing elastic protrusions for interlocking coupling, enabling secure and practical attachment and detachment without damaging the container's structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If panels are rigidly fixed to half-shells using traditional methods, then structural stability is improved, but panel replaceability and container versatility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling unit is divided into separate components: a band with teeth attached to the panel, and corresponding seats with elastic protrusions attached to the half-shell. This segmentation allows the panel to be independently replaceable while maintaining stable coupling through the interlocking teeth-seat mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic protrusions provide a dynamic coupling mechanism that allows for easy insertion and removal of panels. The elasticity enables the protrusions to deform during coupling/decoupling operations and then return to their original position, providing both stability during use and ease of replacement.
2Stability of the object's composition
If panels are rigidly fixed to half-shells, then panel stability is improved, but ease of repair and modification deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system is segmented into removable components (band with teeth and seats with elastic protrusions), enabling the panel to be separated from the half-shell without damaging either component. This facilitates easy repair and replacement of panels while maintaining stable operation during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic protrusions automatically engage with the teeth when the panel is inserted, providing self-locking without requiring additional fastening operations. For removal, the user simply needs to apply force to overcome the elastic resistance, making the repair process simple and self-service oriented.
3Adaptability or versatility
If removable coupling mechanisms are used for panels, then panel replaceability is improved, but coupling reliability and breakage resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The teeth and seats are pre-configured to interlock in a specific orientation, ensuring reliable coupling before the panel is fully inserted. The elastic protrusions are pre-positioned to engage with the teeth, providing preliminary locking that prevents accidental detachment during normal use.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic protrusions are designed to deform under load, converting potential stress concentration points into beneficial energy-absorbing elements. This elasticity allows the coupling to withstand shocks and vibrations that would otherwise cause breakage in rigid removable couplings.
4Ease of operation
If simple removable coupling is used for panels, then ease of operation is improved, but coupling strength and damage prevention deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The teeth and seats are designed with curved surfaces that guide the panel into proper alignment during insertion. The elastic protrusions have rounded shapes that allow smooth deformation and engagement, making the coupling operation easy while maintaining strong interlocking through the interlocking geometry.
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 solution provides a versatile and reliable container that allows for easy panel replacement, increased space utilization, and reduced risk of damage, enhancing the container's operational reliability and user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
which comprise a pair of mutually opposite protrusions (12), which are elastically movable in order to allow removable interlocking coupling with the seats (11)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A transportable container, of the type of a suitcase, trunk, crate, trolley, and the like, which comprises two half-shells (2a, 2b) which can move with respect to each other between a first configuration, for the closure of an internal compartment (3), and at least one second configuration, for free access to the compartment (3). The container comprises at least one panel (4) which can be arranged inside the compartment (3) and a unit (6) for the removable engagement of the panel (4) to a wall (7) for delimiting the compartment (3). The unit (6) comprises a band (8) which is coupled to a profiled element (9) which is rigidly anchored to an edge of the panel (4) and a pair of teeth (10), which extend from the band (8) on the opposite side with respect to the profiled element (9) and can be inserted in respective seats (11) having a substantially corresponding shape, which are provided along the wall (7). Respective mutually opposite protrusions (12) protrude normally from opposite faces of each one of the teeth (10) and are elastically movable for removable interlocking coupling with the seats (11), as a consequence of the return to the respective non-deformed configurations.