USB Memory Assembly with Preassembled Lid for Production Flow

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing process for manufacturing USB memory devices is hindered by the need for lids to be assembled, painted, and printed before the devices can be shipped, resulting in idle devices and increased production time due to the slow printing process.

Innovation Solution

The fabrication of USB memory devices, lids, and connector shells can occur independently, allowing the USB memory device to be assembled into a pre-fabricated connector shell and lid after completion, enabling the devices to be stocked and shipped sooner, with the lid and connector shell being fabricated and stocked separately from the USB memory device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If the lid is assembled, painted and printed before the USB memory device is ready, then the lid is prepared in advance, but the USB memory device sits idle for weeks during the slow printing process

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction readinessVSAvoididle time
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The lid is pre-assembled, painted and printed in advance before the USB memory device is fabricated. This preliminary preparation of the lid allows the USB memory device to be assembled into the prepared lid immediately upon completion, eliminating the idle time that previously occurred while waiting for lid preparation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of manufacture

If the USB memory device waits for the lid to be completed, then the lid can be customized with printing, but the expensive USB memory devices cannot be shipped until the entire order is completed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecustomization capabilityVSAvoidshipping speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The lid is pre-customized with printing and assembly in advance, allowing USB memory devices to be shipped as soon as they are fabricated without waiting for the entire order to be completed. This separates the customization timeline from the device fabrication timeline, improving shipping speed while maintaining customization capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If the USB memory device and lid are fabricated separately, then the USB memory device can be completed and tested independently, but additional assembly steps are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice quality controlVSAvoidassembly process
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The USB memory device and lid are fabricated separately through independent processes, allowing each component to be optimized and quality-controlled independently. The USB memory device can be tested and validated without being constrained by lid fabrication schedules, improving reliability while the separate assembly step integrates the components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS9462705B2USB device with preassembled lid
Publication Date: 2016.10.04 SANDISK TECHNOLOGIES LLC
  • US9462705B2 patent drawing
  • US9462705B2 patent drawing
  • US9462705B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A USB memory assembly, and methods of forming same, are disclosed. The USB memory assembly includes a USB memory device within a carrier. The carrier may in turn be received within a connector shell and lid.