Ergonomic Storage Box With Angled Locking Handle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage devices are complex in design and manufacturing, with locking mechanisms that are not ergonomically suited for user handling and transportation, particularly affecting the orientation of the handle relative to the user's hand.
Innovation Solution
A simplified storage device design featuring a handle with a vertical extension passing through a hole in the lid, allowing for a 20° displacement to accommodate left- or right-handed users, and utilizing L-shaped profiles for secure coupling and locking, with an elastic taper for easy manufacturing and secure locking during transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex locking mechanism with multiple components (springs, balls, etc.) is used, then the locking reliability is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into functional zones within a single handle component: a vertical part for insertion through the lid, a horizontal part for locking engagement, and an oblique tapered end for securing. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function while maintaining overall simplicity of the handle structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and eliminates unnecessary intermediate components (springs, balls, complex locking elements) from the locking mechanism. The handle itself becomes the locking element through its geometric shape and movement, taking out the mediating components that previously increased complexity while maintaining reliable locking function.
2Device complexity
If the handle is oriented parallel to the box for carrying, then the locking mechanism is simplified, but the ergonomics and user comfort deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is designed with dynamic orientability, allowing it to be positioned at different angles (parallel or at 20° displacement) depending on whether the user is right-handed or left-handed. This dynamic adjustment capability maintains locking simplicity while adapting to different user ergonomics requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle can be asymmetrically positioned at a 20° angle relative to the box axis to accommodate specific user hand orientations. This asymmetric placement option provides ergonomic adaptation for left-handed or right-handed users without compromising the simplicity of the locking mechanism.
3Ease of operation
If the handle is displaced by 20° from the box axis for ergonomic use, then the user comfort is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The 20° angular displacement is applied locally only to the handle's carrying orientation, not to the entire box structure or the core locking mechanism. This localized angular adjustment maintains ergonomic benefits while limiting the scope of precision requirements to only the handle's positional orientation, not overall manufacturing tolerances.
Data Source
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AI summary
A storage device (1) comprising a box (2) having a lid (3) with a handle (4), where the lid is locked to the box by a horizontal movement of the handle. The handle (4) has a male part adapted to be penetrated into a female part provided in the box or in the box and the lid in order to lock or unlock the lid from the box. When the lid is locked to the box the handle (4) is displaced somewhat 20° in relation to the length direction of the box. In this way a very simple way to provide a box with a handle having a locking mechanism, that constitutes only machining of three parts, namely the box (2) the lid (3) and the handle (4). Moreover a very ergonomic design for a users point of view is achieved. Further it is advantageous that a user has achieved a very ergonomic design of the handle, when the user transport the storage device, due to the direction of the handle in relation to the length direction of the storage device under transport.