Customizable Wallet Spring Tensioning Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing customizable wallets face issues with modification and upgrading, as they often require tools for assembly and can damage magnetic stripe cards, and existing solutions are not user-friendly or effective in providing a rigid protective style.

Innovation Solution

A customizable wallet with a tensioning mechanism using spring steel plates that allows for independent removal and replacement of front and back plates, along with additional features like a secondary storage compartment and accessory holders, ensuring easy modification and enhanced protection without the need for tools.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If screws are used to secure wallet elements, then structural strength is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to requiring tools and risk of misplacing screws

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidease of modification

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the screw-based mechanical fastening system with a spring-loaded tensioning mechanism that uses elastic deformation and friction to secure plates. The spring mechanism applies continuous pressure to hold the front and back plates in place without requiring tools for attachment or removal, thus maintaining structural strength while dramatically improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The tensioning mechanism is designed to be self-regulating through the spring's elastic properties. When plates are inserted, the spring automatically adjusts to apply the appropriate clamping force, eliminating the need for user intervention to tighten or adjust fasteners. The system serves itself by using the insertion action to both position and secure the plates simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If magnets are used to hold elements in place, then ease of operation is improved, but object-affected harmful factors worsen due to damage to magnetic stripe cards

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of attachmentVSAvoidmagnetic interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the magnetic holding system with a purely mechanical spring-loaded tensioning mechanism. This substitution eliminates all magnetic fields from the wallet structure, preventing interference with magnetic stripe cards while maintaining tool-free attachment and removal of plates through the spring's elastic clamping action.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Strength

If a rigid wallet structure is used, then protection of contents is improved, but adaptability deteriorates as modification requires purchasing a new wallet

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection of contentsVSAvoidcustomizability

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the wallet into distinct modular segments: a fixed rigid frame that provides structural protection, and removable front and back plates that can be independently exchanged. This segmentation allows the rigid frame to maintain protective strength while the replaceable plates enable easy customization of appearance and functionality without requiring replacement of the entire wallet structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The tensioning mechanism serves multiple functions simultaneously: it secures the plates to maintain structural integrity, enables easy removal and reattachment for customization, and provides a standardized interface that could accommodate various plate designs. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by making the rigid structure adaptable to different user needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enables users to change the wallet's appearance and functionality easily while providing robust protection for contents, eliminating the risks associated with tool-based assembly and magnetic interference, and accommodating various accessories and card types.

Implementation Method 1

a tensioning mechanism secured within the frame, the tensioning mechanism further defining a space between the front frame and the tensioning mechanism

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11564466B2Customizable wallet

Publication Date: 2023.01.31 3RIUS DESIGN INNOVATION INC

AI summary

A wallet is provided and, in particular, a customizable wallet is provided which is comprised of removable and replaceable components. The components may include a frame; a front frame, secured to an exterior surface of the frame; a tensioning mechanism secured within the frame, the tensioning mechanism further defining a space between the front frame and the tensioning mechanism, the defined space dimensioned to hold one or more credit card-sized items. Further components may include a removable front plate, the front plate secured within the frame behind the front frame via the tensioning mechanism, and a removable backplate, the backplate secured within the frame via the tensioning mechanism; and wherein the front plate and the backplate are independently removable via application of pressure to the tensioning mechanism.