Dual-Direction Storage Lid With Independent Locking Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage devices with complex locking and unlocking mechanisms are fragile, cumbersome, and reduce storage volume due to the number of movable parts, making them expensive and prone to malfunctions.
Innovation Solution
A storage device with a simplified locking and unlocking system using two locking elements on opposite sides of the opening, each retractable by a lever mechanism, eliminating movable parts on the lid and allowing the lid to rotate around two axes for easy access from either side, with constraint springs and actuation devices for smooth operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If complex locking and unlocking devices with many movable parts are used, then the storage device can lock and unlock from both sides, but the device becomes fragile, cumbersome, and prone to malfunctions
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is segmented into two independent locking elements (first locking element and second locking element) that can operate independently. Each locking element can be engaged or disengaged separately, allowing the lid to be locked or unlocked from either side without requiring complex cooperative mechanisms between multiple movable parts.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having movable parts on the lid that cooperate with the storage compartment, the invention inverts the approach by having locking elements on the storage compartment that engage with fixed receptacles on the lid. This eliminates movable parts on the lid, making it simpler and more reliable.
2Adaptability or versatility
If complex locking and unlocking devices with many movable parts are used, then the storage device can lock and unlock from both sides, but the storage volume is reduced and weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates unnecessary movable parts from the lid, keeping only the essential locking elements on the storage compartment. This removal of redundant components increases the internal storage volume and reduces the overall weight of the storage device while maintaining the dual-side locking capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If complex locking and unlocking devices with many movable parts are used, then the storage device can lock and unlock from both sides, but the device becomes expensive to produce
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into independent locking elements that can be manufactured separately and assembled straightforwardly. This segmentation simplifies the manufacturing process, reduces the need for complex precision machining of cooperative movable parts, and lowers production costs while maintaining dual-side locking functionality.
4Ease of operation
If the lid has many movable parts for locking and unlocking, then the lid can cooperate with the storage compartment, but the lid becomes cumbersome and requires more robust parts
Solution Approach 1:
The invention inverts the traditional approach by placing the movable locking elements on the storage compartment rather than on the lid. The lid becomes a simple cover with fixed receptacles, eliminating the need for heavy robust parts on the lid while maintaining full locking functionality through the movable elements on the storage compartment.
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 results in a more robust, less cumbersome storage device with increased storage volume, reduced weight, and enhanced aesthetic design, while maintaining easy access from either side without the risk of malfunctions.
Implementation Method 1
The first lever, respectively the second lever, moving towards its unlocking position against the force exerted by the first spring, respectively the second spring, and returning to its locking position under the force of the first spring, respectively the second spring, when the first lever, respectively the second lever, is released
Implementation Method 2
said storage compartment further comprises an opening device comprising at a first constraint element and a second constraint element, respectively arranged to push the lid towards its first opened position and its second opened position
Data Source
AI summary
The storage device (1) comprises a storage compartment (2), comprising an upper opening (10), and a lid (6), said lid (6) being movable between a closed position and a first opened position, wherein the storage compartment (2) is accessible from a first side (12) of the opening (10), and a second opened position, wherein the storage compartment (2) is accessible from a second side (14) of the opening (10). The storage compartment (2) comprises a locking device comprising a first locking element (16) and a second locking element (18), respectively extending on the first side (12) and the second side (14) of the opening (10), each locking element (16, 18) being engaged in the lid (6) in the closed position in order to lock said lid (6), the storage compartment (2) further comprising an unlocking device selectively actuable to retract the first locking element (16) from the lid (6), while maintaining the second locking element (18) engaged in the lid (6), to move the lid (6) towards its first opened position, and to retract the second locking element (18) from the lid (6), while maintaining the first locking element (16) engaged in the lid (6), to move the lid (6) towards its second opened position.