CD Storage Tray Locking for Bidirectional Shelf Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing CD storage devices require unnecessary effort and time to retrieve a specific CD due to the tendency of adjacent trays to be pushed out of the stack when one tray is pulled out, and the locking mechanisms often require additional user operation or limit access to only one side.
Innovation Solution
A CD storage device with a pedestal and stacked trays where adjacent shelves can rotate in opposite directions, featuring a locking member connected to the base that prevents adjacent trays from moving out when one tray is rotated, and elastic elements for additional locking to reduce undesired sliding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If trays are stacked horizontally with upper shelves leaning on lower ones, then the device requires little space on the stand and very little space in the vertical direction, but frictional forces between shelves cause adjacent trays to move out when one tray is pulled out
Solution Approach 1:
A locking element is introduced as an intermediary component between the trays to prevent unwanted movement. The locking element engages with the trays to secure them in position, eliminating the friction-induced movement problem while maintaining the compact horizontal stacking arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The frictional forces between shelves are addressed by changing the interaction parameters through the locking element, which provides controlled engagement rather than relying solely on friction. This allows trays to be secured without requiring excessive retraction effort.
2Device complexity
If locking is achieved by elastic elements with short arms limited by hole length, then the structure is simple, but the locking action does not totally prevent rotation of trays
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element acts on the trays at a location removed from the rotation axis, effectively utilizing a longer moment arm in a different spatial dimension. This increases the locking effectiveness without requiring longer holes in the trays, thereby preventing rotation more reliably while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element serves as an intermediary that transfers the locking action from the support structure to the trays at an optimized location, achieving reliable rotation prevention without modifying the tray hole dimensions.
3Reliability
If locking element acts on elastic elements of shelves at a distance from rotation axis, then locking is more accurate and safer, but user access to trays is limited to only one side
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is positioned asymmetrically relative to the tray structure, acting at a location optimized for locking effectiveness. This asymmetric placement provides accurate locking while the overall device design maintains accessibility from both sides through appropriate structural arrangements.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking action is applied at a location removed from the rotation axis in a different spatial dimension, achieving accurate locking without restricting user access to only one side of the device.
4Reliability
If trays can only rotate in one direction from basic position, then locking reliability is improved, but user access is limited to one side only
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to be dynamic, automatically engaging and disengaging based on tray position. This allows trays to rotate in both directions for improved accessibility while the locking element provides reliable fixation when trays are in the stored position, combining versatility with safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element serves multiple functions: it provides reliable locking when trays are in position, allows bidirectional rotation for accessibility, and automatically disengages when trays need to be removed. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction between reliability and adaptability.
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
The solution eliminates the issue of adjacent trays moving out when a tray is pulled out, saving user effort and time, and allows for easier access to CDs by enabling rotation in both directions, reducing frictional forces, and providing handles for improved user interaction.
Implementation Method 1
frictional forces act between the shelves which are proportional to this weight... frictional forces to the adjacent, i. H. transferred to the directly adjoining shelves
Implementation Method 2
elastic elements for additional locking to reduce undesired sliding
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device for storing CDs (CD files) with a base (20) and a stack (70) placed on top of it, shelves (100, 200, 300 and 400) arranged one above the other, the upper shelves being on the lower support, the shelves are provided with bearing surfaces for the CDs and the device (1) is designed such that these bearing surfaces from the stack (70) can be moved out by the shelves (100, 200, 300 and 400) to an outside axis (L1) passing through these bearing surfaces, the device (1) comprising a locking element (6) connected to the base (20), arranged along said axis (L1) and connected to the shelves (100, 200 , 300 and 400) is in contact in its home position, ensuring the possibility of a stop limiting said rotation. In order to improve saving of effort and time for the user in searching and removing the desired CD, the invention provides that the neighboring shelves, ie. H. the two shelves (100 and 200 or 200 and 300 or 300 and 400 or 400 and 100) that are directly adjacent to one another are in contact with parts of a locking element (6) in such a way that a stop is made possible, which allows these shelves (100 and 100 and 200 or 200 and 300 or 300 and 400 or 400 and 100).