Adapter Cage Connection for Rotational Movement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing holding devices for objects are limited in their ability to securely attach a large number of objects to a support frame, allowing only limited movement and anchoring, which restricts their use in processes requiring rotation or pivoting without detachment.

Innovation Solution

An adapter with perpendicular support arms and a flexible spring bar mechanism creates a releasable locking connection between the cage and the support frame, enabling secure attachment and movement of the cage in various directions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the cage is detachably connected to support feet using a simple placement connection, then the device structure remains simple and easy to assemble, but the cage can only be moved within a very limited angular position and cannot be rotated or pivoted without detaching

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveangular movement capabilityVSAvoidconnection stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system is divided into multiple independent locking elements (locking lugs on support feet, corresponding recesses in cage walls) that work together to provide both stability and movement capability. Each support foot has its own locking mechanism that can be engaged or disengaged independently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The locking lugs act as intermediary elements between the support feet and cage walls, creating a positive locking connection that enables reliable attachment while allowing the cage to be rotated or pivoted as a unified assembly with the support frame.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the cage is securely locked to the support frame to enable rotation and pivoting, then the connection reliability improves, but the assembly and disassembly process becomes more complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is segmented into discrete, easily manipulative components (locking lugs that can be manually pressed or released) allowing quick engagement and disengagement without complex tools or procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The locking lugs are designed to be manually operated by the user without requiring additional tools or complex mechanisms. The spring elements provide automatic engagement force, and the user simply needs to press the locking lugs to release or engage the connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Stability of the object's composition

If support feet are attached precisely within specified surface dimensions of the cage, then the cage can be placed stably on the support feet, but the cage and support frame can only be moved within a very limited angular position

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecage placement stabilityVSAvoidangular movement range
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system uses multiple discrete support feet with locking lugs distributed around the cage perimeter, providing stable support while allowing the entire assembly to rotate or pivot as a unified structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The support feet are locked to the support frame through receiving openings, creating a unified support frame-feet-cage assembly that moves together as one stable unit, enabling rotation and pivoting without detachment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Ease of operation

If the cage is placed exclusively on support feet without anchoring, then the device structure remains simple, but shaking the cage to optimize cleaning procedures is not possible because the cage would detach from the support feet

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecage shaking capabilityVSAvoidconnection mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connection mechanism is divided into simple, discrete locking lugs and recesses that provide anchoring without requiring complex structures. Each support foot independently locks to the support frame, creating a stable but simple connection system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The locking lugs utilize elastic spring elements that change their physical state (compressed vs. relaxed) to enable engagement and disengagement. The spring force provides automatic locking when engaged and allows easy release when force is applied.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solution allows for reliable and permanent connection of the cage to the support frame, enabling rotation, pivoting, and movement without detachment, facilitating processes like cleaning and coating, and accommodating multiple objects with optional partitions for division.

Implementation Method 1

a flexurally elastic spring bar (15) is provided on at least two opposite side walls (7 1, 7 3) of the cage (6)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3919405B1Device for holding objects
Publication Date: 2024.03.20 ALWA GMBH & CO KG KONSTRUKTION & FORMENBAU
  • EP3919405B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3919405B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3919405B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

In a device (1) for holding objects (2) consisting of a plate-shaped support frame (4) with a plurality of receiving openings (5) and a cage (6) suitable for receiving the objects (2) with four perpendicular side walls (71 to 74) and a base (8) arranged between them, the cage (6) should be able to be connected to the support frame (4) as quickly as possible and at the same time a reliable and permanent functional connection between the cage (6) and the support frame (4) should be achieved.This is made possible by providing an adapter (11) between the support frame (4) and the cage (6), which has a retaining base (12) projecting towards the support frame (4), wherein the retaining base (12) can be inserted into one of the receiving openings (5) of the support frame (4) and locked in it, wherein the adapter (11) is constructed from four support arms (131, 132, 133, 134) which run perpendicular to each other and through which a rectangular interior space (14) is formed, in which the cage (6) can be inserted and is fixed by at least two undercuts, each formed between two pairs of side walls (71, 73; 72, 74) of the cage (6) and the support arms (131, 133; 132, 134) of the adapter (11).