Gang Lock Assembly for Medical Storage Drawers

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing storage assemblies for medical supplies and tools lack ease of assembly, disassembly, and maintenance, particularly in locking systems, which complicates cleaning and replacement of components.

Innovation Solution

A storage assembly with a gang lock arrangement featuring a resiliently biased latch member and shifting part, allowing for quick removal and reinstallation of the locking unit, combined with a locking mechanism that can be unlocked using a key, transponder, or keypad, facilitating easy access and maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the locking unit is permanently fixed in the container using metal screws, then the structural stability is improved, but the ease of disassembly and maintenance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidease of disassembly

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The locking unit is designed as a separate, modular component that can be independently removed from the container. The retention mechanism divides the locking unit into a removable portion and a fixed portion, allowing the locking unit to be segmented for easy removal while maintaining overall structural stability when assembled.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The retention mechanism transitions from a static permanent fixation (metal screws) to a dynamic removable connection. The resiliently biased latch member allows the locking unit to be easily inserted and removed by applying force to overcome the retention mechanism, providing dynamic adaptability for maintenance while maintaining stability during normal use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the locking unit is permanently fixed in the container, then the reliability of the locking system is improved, but the ease of cleaning and modification deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability of locking systemVSAvoidease of cleaning

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The locking unit is designed as a separate, modular component that can be independently removed from the container. The retention mechanism divides the locking unit into a removable portion and a fixed portion, allowing the locking unit to be segmented for easy removal while maintaining overall structural stability when assembled.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The retention mechanism transitions from a static permanent fixation (metal screws) to a dynamic removable connection. The resiliently biased latch member allows the locking unit to be easily inserted and removed by applying force to overcome the retention mechanism, providing dynamic adaptability for maintenance while maintaining stability during normal use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Strength

If the locking unit is permanently fixed using metal screws, then the strength of the connection is improved, but the adaptability for replacement and modification deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestrength of connectionVSAvoidadaptability for replacement

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The locking unit is designed as a separate, modular component that can be independently removed from the container. The retention mechanism divides the locking unit into a removable portion and a fixed portion, allowing the locking unit to be segmented for easy removal while maintaining overall structural stability when assembled.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The retention mechanism is designed to work with various locking unit configurations and container types. The resiliently biased latch member and engagement features provide a universal connection system that maintains strong connections while allowing easy replacement and modification of the locking unit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enables effortless assembly, disassembly, and maintenance of the storage assembly, particularly beneficial for medical storage, by allowing easy removal and replacement of the locking unit, enhancing cleaning and modification processes.

Implementation Method 1

The latch member of the retaining part of the locking unit preferably is resiliently biased with respect to the support. Preferably, at least one resilient member is arranged to resiliently bias the latch member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectResilient biasing: Spring

Implementation Method 2

The latch member may be arranged to releasably engage with a part of the container located in the interior thereof. Preferably, the latch member is arranged to releasably engage with a protruding part of the container

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical engagement: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentUS9004620B2Storage assembly

Publication Date: 2015.04.14 SECURITAS HEALTHCARE LLC

AI summary

A storage assembly has a container, a plurality of drawers arranged to be located in the container, and a gang lock arrangement. The gang lock includes a locking member located in the container and a locking unit locatable in the container. The locking unit has a support, and also a shifting part and a retaining part carried by the support. The shifting part is arranged to move the locking member with respect to the container such that the locking member releasably engages with, and thus releasably retains, the plurality of drawers in the container. The retaining part includes a resiliently biased latch member arranged to releasably retain the locking unit in the container.