Chalk Box Line Lock Assembly with Rotatable Cover

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing chalk boxes lack improvements in both aesthetic appearance and functional performance, particularly in the design of the line lock assembly.

Innovation Solution

The chalk box incorporates an improved line lock assembly with a line lock member disposed in a line lock member enclosure, allowing for enhanced locking and unlocking functionality through a rotatable line lock cover.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the line lock assembly is exposed and accessible, then it is easy to operate, but it is vulnerable to damage from external objects and wear

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccessibility of line lock assemblyVSAvoiddamage from external objects and wear

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The line lock member is enclosed within a line lock member enclosure formed between the retaining plate and the line lock cover. This nesting protects the line lock member from external damage while keeping it accessible through the rotatable line lock cover that provides controlled access to the locking mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the line lock assembly is enclosed for protection, then it is resistant to damage, but it becomes more complex in structure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection from external objectsVSAvoidstructure of line lock assembly

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The enclosure is formed by nesting components within the existing housing structure. The line lock member enclosure is created between the retaining plate and the line lock cover, utilizing existing structural elements rather than adding separate enclosing components, thus minimizing structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The line lock cover serves multiple functions: it forms part of the protective enclosure, provides a rotatable interface for user operation, and acts as a barrier against external objects. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional protective components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If the line lock member is exposed, then it can be easily accessed, but it is susceptible to wear and damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccessibility of line lock memberVSAvoidresistance to wear and damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The line lock member is nested within the line lock member enclosure, which is formed between the retaining plate and the line lock cover. This provides protection while the rotatable line lock cover maintains accessibility for operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The line lock cover acts as an intermediary between the user and the line lock member. It provides controlled access through rotation while protecting the line lock member from direct exposure to external objects and wear.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12233665B2Chalk box with line lock assembly

Publication Date: 2025.02.25 APEX BRANDS INC

AI summary

A line lock assembly for locking a retraction assembly of a chalk box may include a line lock cover (250) operably coupled to a housing of the chalk box to form a line lock member enclosure, and a line lock member (260) disposed within the line lock member enclosure. The line lock member may be configured to move responsive to rotation of the line lock cover to alternately lock the retraction assembly and unlock the retraction assembly based on a position of the line lock cover.