Two-Part Reinforcement Element for Document Container Recycling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing document containers, typically made of unstable materials like cardboard or thin plastic, face difficulties in easily removing metal reinforcement elements for recycling, as they are firmly attached and require significant force to detach, making the recycling process costly and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
The document container features two-part reinforcement elements made of plastic, such as polypropylene or ABS, which are detachably connected via a snap mechanism, allowing for easy separation and removal from the outer shell, facilitating the recycling process by using a hold-down device with a pin that can reach through an access opening to disengage the parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If metal reinforcing elements are firmly attached to the outer shell to protect against tearing and fraying, then the protective function is improved, but the ease of removal for recycling deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcing element is divided into two separate parts: a first part with a first retaining portion and a second part with a second retaining portion. These parts are detachably connected to each other, allowing the first part to be removed from the first side of the outer shell and the second part from the second side. This segmentation enables easy removal while maintaining protective function when assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The two-part design allows the reinforcing elements to be easily separated and removed from the outer shell when the document container reaches the end of its lifespan. This facilitates recycling by enabling the recovery of materials without time-consuming removal processes, while still providing protection during use.
2Strength
If considerable force is required to remove firmly attached reinforcing elements, then the protective function is improved, but the time and cost of recycling increase
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the reinforcing element into two detachably connected parts, the attachment strength is distributed across two separate connections rather than one firm connection. This allows the parts to be removed sequentially from opposite sides of the outer shell without requiring considerable force, significantly reducing recycling time.
Solution Approach 2:
The second part of the reinforcing element can be extracted from the first part by passing a tool through the engagement opening. This extraction mechanism allows easy removal of the reinforcing elements without requiring considerable force, reducing both time and cost of recycling while maintaining protective function during use.
3Ease of manufacture
If the outer shell is made of less robust material like cardboard or thin plastic, then the environmental friendliness and cost are improved, but the structural strength deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The document container combines a less robust outer shell made of cardboard or paperboard with plastic reinforcing elements. This composite structure allows the outer shell to be environmentally friendly and cost-effective while the plastic reinforcing parts provide the necessary structural strength at openings, resolving the contradiction between material cost and structural strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforcing elements are placed specifically at the openings of the outer shell where structural strength is most needed. This local reinforcement allows the rest of the outer shell to be made from less robust, more environmentally friendly materials like cardboard or thin plastic, while still providing adequate structural strength where required.
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 easy removal of reinforcement elements from document containers, reducing the cost and complexity of recycling by allowing for efficient disassembly without compromising the protective function of the reinforcement, thus enhancing material recovery.
Implementation Method 1
the first part and the second part of at least one of the reinforcing elements, and preferably each reinforcing element, are connected to each other by means of a snap-fit connection
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a
Figure 2b
AI summary
The invention relates to a document container (10) with an outer shell (18) and with means for holding documents in a receiving area (15) at least partially enclosed by the outer shell (18), wherein the outer shell (18) has at least one opening (22, 28) whose circumferential edge is provided with a reinforcing element (30, 32). According to the invention, the at least one reinforcing element (30, 32) is designed in two parts, comprising a first part (30a, 32a) which has a first retaining part (40) abutting a first side (34) of the outer shell (18) and a penetration part (42) extending through the opening (22, 28), and a second part (30b, 32b) which is detachably connected to the first part (30a, 32a) and which has a second retaining part (44) abutting a second side (36) of the outer shell (18) facing away from the first side (34).