Hinged Storage Lid Track Support for Hands-Free Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage devices with hinged lids, particularly large outdoor storage units, face difficulties in automatically maintaining the lid in an open position and securely closing it without manual intervention, especially due to reach constraints and stress on the unit's connection points, and existing latches are cumbersome and unreliable in weather conditions.
Innovation Solution
A self-actuating support prop system with a guide track and seat mechanism to hold the lid open and a self-securing latch assembly with a resilient latch member and hasp for easy closure and security, allowing the lid to be operated without manual manipulation and providing reliable weather-resistant operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a support device is used to hold the lid open, then the lid can be selectively supported in an open position, but manual manipulation is required which is difficult when the storage unit is large and the user cannot reach the support device
Solution Approach 1:
The support prop is designed to be self-actuating, automatically moving between the held-open position and the closed-position allowing state without requiring manual manipulation. The prop uses the lid's own weight and the track geometry to automatically transition between states, making the system serve itself rather than requiring user intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide track acts as an intermediary mechanism between the support prop and the lid. It provides a defined travel path with a seat that guides the prop's movement and enables automatic positioning, mediating the interaction between the prop and lid to achieve self-actuating operation.
2Ease of operation
If air springs are used as support devices, then manual manipulation is reduced or eliminated, but force is applied to connection points and hinges causing stress on the units
Solution Approach 1:
The support prop is extracted from being a continuous force-applying mechanism like air springs and converted into a discrete, position-based support system. The prop only engages at specific positions (held-open position and closed-position allowing state) rather than continuously applying force, reducing stress on connection points and hinges.
Solution Approach 2:
The support function is segmented into discrete positional states rather than continuous force application. The guide track with its seat creates distinct engagement positions, dividing the support function into separate states that reduce cumulative stress on the structural components.
3Reliability
If latches are used to retain the lid in closed position, then security is provided, but they are difficult to use and unreliable in weather conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is designed to automatically engage and disengage based on lid position without requiring manual manipulation. The resilient latch member automatically latches when the lid closes and automatically unlatches when the lid opens, making the system self-serving and eliminating the need for user interaction with complex latch mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch system uses the physical parameters of the lid's movement (position and force) to automatically trigger latching and unlatching actions. The resilient latch member responds to changes in lid position and applied force, automatically transitioning between latched and unlatched states based on these parameter changes.
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 opening and closing of large storage device lids without manual interaction, reducing stress on the unit and ensuring secure closure even in adverse weather conditions.
Implementation Method 1
A self actuating support prop is provided for a lid of a storage unit to selectively support the lid in an open position, the support device self actuating to move between a position to hold the lid open and a position allowing the lid to be closed without requiring a person to manipulate the support device
Implementation Method 2
A self actuating latch is provided to automatically engage to secure the lid in closed position
Data Source
AI summary
A storage unit having sidewalls and a lid hinged to a sidewall. A support device has one end mounted to the lid and one end received in a track recessed in a sidewall and operable to follow in a travel path defined by the track when the lid is raised and lowered. The track having a rest surface on which the end of the support device in the track can rest to support the lid in the open position. The storage unit can include a latch assembly associated with a sidewall and the lid to selectively secure the lid in a closed position.