Tool Cabinet Hanging Board Using Constant-Force Spring Counterbalance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional tool cabinets with movable hanging boards are either heavy due to thick metal construction or have high manufacturing costs and power dependency due to electronic lifting devices, making them inconvenient and costly.

Innovation Solution

A tool cabinet design featuring a hanging board with counterweight devices using constant force springs to facilitate up-down movement, reducing user effort and eliminating the need for electronic lifting mechanisms, allowing for easy operation in various environments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the hanging board is made of thick metal plate to support tool weight and avoid deformation, then the strength and stability are improved, but the weight of the hanging board increases making it inconvenient for users to lift

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehanging board strengthVSAvoidhanging board weight

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a counterweight device comprising a constant force spring that provides upward resilient force to offset the weight of the hanging board. This allows the hanging board to be made strong enough to support tools while the counterweight mechanism compensates for its weight, making it easy for users to lift and lower the board during operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

2Ease of operation

If an electronic lifting device with motor and linkage mechanism is used to move the hanging board, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehanging board movement easeVSAvoidlifting device complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a constant force spring that automatically provides resilient force during the movement of the hanging board. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for complex electronic lifting devices with motors and linkage mechanisms, reducing device complexity and manufacturing cost while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If an electronic lifting device is used to drive the hanging board movement, then the ease of operation is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehanging board movement easeVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The constant force spring mechanism provides automatic resilient force during hanging board movement, eliminating the need for expensive electronic lifting devices. This self-service approach significantly reduces manufacturing cost while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces expensive electronic components with a simple, cost-effective constant force spring mechanism. This mechanical solution is much cheaper to manufacture while achieving the same functional outcome of easy hanging board movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

4Ease of operation

If an electronic lifting device is used to move the hanging board, then the ease of operation is improved, but the adaptability to different environments decreases due to power supply requirement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehanging board movement easeVSAvoidenvironmental adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the electronic lifting device with a purely mechanical constant force spring mechanism. This substitution eliminates the power supply requirement, enabling the tool cabinet to be used in various environments including those without electrical power, thereby significantly improving environmental adaptability while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 tool cabinet reduces overall weight and manufacturing costs while enabling easy lifting and lowering of the hanging board, enhancing usability and adaptability across different working environments.

Implementation Method 1

The at least one counterweight device includes a constant force spring that has a free end connected to the hanging board, and a fixed end opposite to the free end, and connected to the cabinet body. The constant force spring provides a resilient force against the weight of the hanging board during movement of the hanging board between the lifted position and the lowered position.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConstant force spring: Spring

Data Source

PatentUS9808930B1Tool cabinet

Publication Date: 2017.11.07 LIU CHIA MING

AI summary

A tool cabinet includes a cabinet body, a hanging board having a plurality of hanging portions, two slide rail units, and at least one counterweight device. Each of the slide rail units is connected between the cabinet body and the hanging board and extends in an up-down direction, such that the hanging board is movable in the up-down direction relative to the cabinet body between a lifted position and a lowered position. The counterweight device includes a constant force spring having free and fixed ends that are respectively connected to the hanging board and the cabinet body, and providing a resilient force against the weight of the hanging board during movement between the lifted and lowered positions.