Frictionless Triangle Case with Variable Plate Spacing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing containers for geometry triangles are prone to causing damage due to frictional forces that easily break the corners of the triangles, leading to loss of usefulness.
Innovation Solution
A container design with varying plate distances, allowing for frictional clamping only when the triangle is almost fully inserted, minimizing frictional resistance during insertion and removal, and using semi-rigid plastic with spacers and a one-piece construction for easy assembly and protection of the triangle's surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the container uses uniform plate distance with frictional clamping to hold the geometry triangle, then the triangle is securely held in place, but the frictional forces cause damage to the triangle corners and surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The container employs varying plate distances at different locations: a smaller distance at one edge for frictional clamping and a larger distance at the opposite edge for frictionless passage. This local differentiation allows the triangle to be securely held when inserted while minimizing frictional damage during insertion and removal operations.
2Reliability
If the container provides frictional clamping to prevent the triangle from slipping out, then the triangle is securely retained, but the triangle becomes difficult to remove without damage
Solution Approach 1:
The container's interior space is segmented into two distinct zones: a first pocket edge with smaller plate distance for frictional retention and a second pocket edge with larger plate distance for frictionless insertion and removal. This segmentation allows the triangle to be both securely retained and easily removed without damage.
3Ease of manufacture
If the container uses a simple bag design with two plates, then the manufacturing is simple, but the triangle corners break off easily due to improper storage
Solution Approach 1:
The container maintains simple bag construction with two plates but introduces local variation in plate spacing. The smaller plate distance at one edge provides protective frictional clamping for the triangle corners, while the larger distance at the opposite edge allows easy insertion and removal, thus protecting corners without complicating manufacturing.
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 container allows for easy and frictionless insertion and removal of geometry triangles, protecting the surfaces from scratches and damage, while maintaining structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
a geometry triangle can be pushed into the hollow interior space between the two plates... there can be projections protruding from the plates into the interior space, on which the geometric triangle then bears sufficiently firmly with a friction fit when pushed in
Implementation Method 2
there is a larger free space between the triangle and the plates on the other edge of the pocket... This pushing in and pulling out of a geometry triangle into such a container, which is largely possible without frictional resistance
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6
Figure 7~9
AI summary
The case (10) is made of a square plastic sheet folded along two parallel positioned diagonal lines (62) in order to create a flat container with two layers at a slight distance from each other. A linear extension located along one of the edges is folded over and welded (44) to the opposite edge (60) also leaving a slight distance between the layers which is smaller than the distance between the adjacent edges. Curved recesses of different sizes give access to the stored triangle (12) with thumb and forefinger. The case (10) can be clipped into a folder by using two holes at the front (24,26).