A cabinet and a method of operating such a cabinet
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cabinets with removable covers are difficult to access, making it labor-intensive and costly to install cables or fibers, increasing the risk of work-related injuries.
Innovation Solution
A cabinet design featuring a resiliently flexible locking arm on the base plate that locks the cover and supports a movable insert, allowing it to be pulled or rotated to a projecting position for improved access, combined with a rotatable connection between the insert and base plate for easy manipulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the cabinet is designed with a removable cover and fixed insert, then the cabinet structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but it is difficult to access the interior space and increases installation complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The insert is designed to be movable relative to the base plate, transitioning from a fixed position to a projected position that extends beyond the cabinet front. This dynamic capability allows the insert to be pulled out for easy access to cables and fibers, while returning to a retracted position when not in use, thus improving ease of operation without permanently complicating the structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The cabinet is divided into separate functional components: a base plate, a movable insert, and a resilient locking arm. The locking arm is further segmented into a resilient portion and a locking portion. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, enabling the insert to move freely while the locking arm provides secure engagement when needed.
2Ease of operation
If the insert is made movable to improve access, then installation becomes easier and safer, but the cabinet structure and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking arm utilizes elastic deformation as a key parameter change. By designing the locking arm with a resilient portion that can elastically deform, the system achieves automatic locking and unlocking functionality without complex mechanical mechanisms. The resilient arm deflects to allow insert movement and returns to its original shape to secure the insert in place, simplifying manufacturing while enabling improved operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient locking arm provides self-service functionality by automatically engaging and disengaging from the insert based on its elastic deformation. When the insert is moved to the projected position, the resilient arm naturally deflects and locks into place without requiring additional actuators or complex control mechanisms, thereby maintaining manufacturing simplicity while achieving the desired ease of operation.
3Ease of operation
If a locking mechanism is added to secure the insert in projected position, then access is maintained, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient locking arm serves multiple functions: it acts as a structural support for the insert, provides automatic locking when the insert is in the projected position, and enables easy unlocking by simply moving the insert back. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate locking mechanisms, buttons, or actuators, thereby maintaining device simplicity while achieving secure insert positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient portion of the locking arm acts as an intermediary between the fixed base plate and the movable insert. It mediates the movement and positioning of the insert by elastically deforming to accommodate insert motion and then returning to lock the insert in the desired position, providing a simple yet effective solution without adding complex mechanical linkages.
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
Facilitates easier access to objects inside the cabinet, reducing installation complexity and costs while enhancing safety by allowing the insert to be moved to a more accessible position, and can be manufactured with fewer parts using sheet metal.
Implementation Method 1
the base plate is arranged with a resiliently flexible locking arm for locking the cover to the base plate
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
A cabinet (10) comprising a base plate (11), an insert (31) and an openable cover (12), wherein the cabinet (10) has an open position and a closed position, and wherein the cover (12), at least in the closed position of the cabinet (10), is connected to the base plate (11) to form an interior space for housing the insert (31). The base plate (11) is arranged with a resiliently flexible locking arm (13) for locking the cover (12) to the base plate (11) in the closed position of the cabinet (10). The insert (31) is movably connected to the base plate (11), wherein the insert (31) is movable from a first position for storing inside the interior space of the cabinet (10) to a projecting second position when the cabinet (10) is in its open position, and wherein the locking arm (13), in the open position of the cabinet (10), is arranged to engage the insert (31) to keep the insert in the second position. Also a method of operating such a cabinet (10) is disclosed.