Adapter Device Sliding Locking Mechanism for Multi-Size Receptacles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solutions for securing and transporting cases of different sizes are complex, error-prone, and often dissipate forces through the case lid or rotating mechanisms, making them prone to errors, and handling and attaching suitcases or other receptacles of varying sizes in a user-friendly manner remains difficult.

Innovation Solution

An adapter device with a carrier plate featuring coupling structures that allow for the sliding and locking of receiving bodies of different sizes, including guide rails and locking bodies, enabling intuitive and error-proof mounting, stacking, and secure attachment of suitcases or other receptacles, with optional anti-slip features for stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing locking mechanisms are used to secure cases during transport, then cases can be held together, but the mechanisms are complex and prone to failure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability of locking mechanismVSAvoidcomplexity of locking mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is divided into separate functional elements: coupling elements on the adapter device and corresponding coupling elements on the receiving body. These segmented elements work together through a standardized interface, allowing the locking function to be distributed and simplified while maintaining reliability across different case sizes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The adapter device provides a universal coupling interface that can attach to receiving bodies of different sizes. The standardized coupling elements serve multiple functions: attachment, locking, and force distribution, eliminating the need for size-specific locking mechanisms and reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If forces are transferred via case lid and rotating mechanism, then cases can be locked together, but these components become susceptible to failure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability of force transferVSAvoidsusceptibility to failure of components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The force transfer function is extracted from the case lid and rotating mechanism and relocated to the coupling elements on the adapter device and receiving body. This separation removes the vulnerable components from the force transfer path, allowing the lid to serve only its primary function while the coupling elements handle locking and force distribution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling elements act as intermediary components between the adapter device and the receiving body. These intermediaries distribute forces across multiple contact points on the receiving body, preventing concentration of stress on single vulnerable components and reducing the risk of failure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If existing solutions are used for securing cases, then transport security is achieved, but handling and attaching suitcases of varying sizes remains difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity during transportVSAvoidease of attaching receiving bodies
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter device accommodates different receiving body sizes by changing the effective coupling parameters through its design. The carrier plate and coupling elements can engage with receiving bodies of varying dimensions while maintaining the same attachment mechanism, allowing secure transport without requiring different handling procedures for different sizes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3141353B1Adapter device for receiving body of different sizes
Publication Date: 2019.08.07 WURTH INT AG
  • EP3141353B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3141353B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3141353B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Adapter device (100) for attaching receiving bodies (10, 102) of different sizes, wherein the adapter device (100) has a support device (104) for carrying an attached receiving body (10, 102), first coupling structures (106 to 108) on the support device (104) which are designed for attaching a first receiving body (10) of a first size by sliding and locking onto the first coupling structures (106 to 108), and second coupling structures (110 to 112) on the support device (104) which are designed for attaching a second receiving body (102) of a second size by sliding and locking onto the second coupling structures (108 to 110).