Flip Bin Organizer with Selective Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing organizers lack the ability to selectively lock and unlock bins while accommodating diverse user preferences, such as frequent access to multiple bins or selective locking of specific bins, which limits their versatility in various working scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A flip bin organizer with a locking mechanism that allows bins to pivot between open, first closed, and fully closed positions, enabling selective locking of bins in the fully closed position, and allowing movement between these positions without affecting other locked bins, along with features like removable bins and stacking latches for enhanced usability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to secure bins in the fully closed position, then security and stability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into separate functional components: a locking actuator (button or lever), a locking arm, and a locking surface on the bin. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, reducing overall complexity while maintaining reliable locking capability.
Solution Approach 2:
A locking arm serves as an intermediary element between the locking actuator and the bin. When the actuator is engaged, the locking arm translates this action into contact with the bin's locking surface, providing a simple mechanical mediation that enables reliable locking without direct complex integration.
2Ease of operation
If bins are made freely movable between open and closed positions, then ease of operation is improved, but security and stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The bin system transitions from a static locked state to a dynamic system where bins can be freely moved when unlocked. The locking mechanism provides dynamic control, allowing the system to switch between states of freedom and constraint based on user needs, thereby achieving both ease of operation and security when required.
3Adaptability or versatility
If all bins must be locked together or left unlocked, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Each bin is equipped with its own locking mechanism components (locking arm and locking surface), allowing independent locking of individual bins. This segmentation enables selective locking of specific bins based on user needs, achieving high adaptability without requiring a complex system-wide locking control mechanism.
4Ease of operation
If bins are designed for easy removal from the organizer, then ease of operation is improved, but stability and security deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The bin attachment system provides dynamic functionality: bins can be easily removed when not in use, but when locked, they achieve stable, secure positioning. The locking mechanism transforms the bin from a removable component to a stabilized element, allowing the system to adapt between ease of removal and position stability based on operational requirements.
Data Source
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AI summary
An organizer containing a housing with a plurality of compartments, at least one bin disposed in a compartment and pivotally attached thereto. The organizer further includes a locking mechanism that selectively locks the bin in place when the bin is in its fully closed position. When more than one bins are present, the locking mechanism is also capable of locking a first bin in its fully closed position while simultaneously allowing a second bin to move from its open position to being locked in its fully closed position, without unlocking the first bin.