Customizable Caddy for Tilt Bins with Rotary Locks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current storage systems lack flexibility in interchanging storage receptacles and stacking multiple storage solutions, making it difficult to efficiently organize and transport items like office or craft supplies.
Innovation Solution
A customizable storage system featuring removable storage containers with tilt bins and rotary locks, allowing for secure access and stacking, along with a container caddy and drop-in locks for secure positioning and transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If storage containers are made removable and interchangeable, then flexibility and ease of operation are improved, but security and stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The lock mechanism transitions between locked and unlocked states dynamically. When locked, the lock arm secures the tilt bin to the container shell, preventing unauthorized access. When unlocked, the tilt bin can be freely tilted for access or removed from the container shell, providing operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking function is localized to specific engagement points between the lock arm and the tilt bin/container shell. The lock arm engages with a lockable engagement feature on the tilt bin and a corresponding feature on the container shell, providing security only where needed while maintaining overall system flexibility.
2Ease of operation
If tilt bins are made tiltable for access, then ease of operation is improved, but stability and security deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The tilt bin is designed to be dynamically tiltable relative to the container shell when unlocked. The tilt mechanism allows the bin to pivot between a stored position (flush with container shell) and an extended position (tilted outward for access), with the lock mechanism controlling this dynamic behavior.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage container is segmented into a container shell and a separate tilt bin that can move independently. This segmentation allows the tilt bin to be tilted for access while remaining part of the overall container system, providing both security (when locked) and ease of access (when tilted).
3Productivity
If multiple storage containers are stacked, then storage capacity and organization are improved, but stability and risk of loss deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple storage containers are merged into a unified stacked structure where each container serves dual purposes: individual storage and structural support for containers above. The lock mechanism ensures each container is securely closed, and the overall stacking creates a stable, interdependent structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of securing containers from the top down, the locking mechanism secures each container individually from the outside, preventing unauthorized access or removal. This inversion of the security approach ensures that even if one container is compromised, others remain secure.
Data Source
AI summary
A customizable storage system includes at least one removable storage container and a container caddy. The at least one removeable storage container includes a container shell and a tilt bin located in the container shell and configured to tilt relative to the container shell. The container caddy includes a container support frame having first and second container docks that each define first and second container-receiving spaces the receive the at least one storage container and and a carrying handle coupled to and extending away from the container support frame.