Iron-to-Base Portable Fixing Structure Using Toggle-Slider Locking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional irons are difficult to transport safely due to the risk of scalding and slipping when supported with hands, and existing fixing structures are prone to failure from spring fatigue.
Innovation Solution
A portable fixing structure for an iron and base using a limit fit with a locking module that includes a slider and toggle assembly, allowing for easy locking and unlocking through an inclined guide fit, with elastic return members for assistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the iron is supported with both hands during transport, then the iron can be moved, but there is a risk of scalding and difficulty in operation
Solution Approach 1:
The iron and base are segmented into separable components that can be easily attached and detached. The locking module allows the iron to be securely fixed to the base when not in use, eliminating the need to carry the iron separately and thus preventing scalding risks during transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking module acts as an intermediary mechanism between the iron and base. It provides a safe interface for connection and disconnection, allowing users to easily attach or separate the iron from the base without direct hand contact with hot surfaces, thus preventing scalding while maintaining ease of transport.
2Ease of operation
If the iron is supported with both hands during transport, then the iron can be moved, but there is a risk that the iron may slip out of the base
Solution Approach 1:
The locking module employs dynamic elements including a slider that can move between locked and unlocked positions, and a toggle assembly that provides mechanical advantage for secure engagement. The elastic return member dynamically adjusts to maintain reliable connection while allowing easy operation for transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The traditional mechanical support system is replaced with a locking mechanism system. The locking module with slider, toggle assembly, and elastic return member provides a more reliable connection than simple manual support, preventing the iron from slipping out of the base during transport while maintaining ease of operation.
3Ease of operation
If a return spring is used in the fixing structure, then the iron and base can be locked and unlocked, but the return spring is prone to fatigue after repeated use
Solution Approach 1:
The material parameters of the elastic return member are optimized to reduce fatigue. By selecting materials with superior elastic properties and designing the member with appropriate geometric parameters, the mechanism can withstand repeated locking and unlocking cycles without failure, maintaining both ease of operation and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic return member is designed with sufficient elastic capacity to cushion and absorb the stresses of repeated locking and unlocking operations. This beforehand cushioning capability prevents fatigue failure by distributing mechanical stresses over many cycles, ensuring long-term durability while maintaining smooth operation.
4Reliability
If a locking module with slider and toggle assembly is used, then the iron and base can be reliably locked and unlocked, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The locking module merges multiple functions into a compact integrated structure. The slider, toggle assembly, and elastic return member are combined in a space-efficient arrangement that provides reliable locking and unlocking while minimizing overall structural complexity. The components work together in a coordinated manner to achieve reliable operation without excessive complexity.
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 structure provides reliable, easy-to-operate, and stable locking/unlocking, reducing the risk of scalding and slipping, and is easy to carry.
Implementation Method 1
the locking module further includes elastic return members, and the elastic return members exert an elastic force on the slider in a direction away from the limit socket
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The disclosure provides a portable fixing structure for an iron (20) and a base (10), including an iron and a base. The iron and the base are fixed through a limit fit between limit portions at two opposite sides. At least one limit portion includes a limit socket (22) and a locking module (30). The locking module includes a slider (31) and a toggle assembly (34). The slider is provided with an insertion tongue (311) corresponding to the limit socket. The slider is limited to slide in a first direction close to or away from the limit socket, and the toggle assembly forms an inclined guide fit with the slider and is limited to move in a second direction perpendicular or inclined to the first direction. The toggle assembly is toggled back and forth in the second direction, so as to drive the slider close to the limit socket and make the insertion tongue inserted into the limit socket or drive the slider away from the limit socket and make the insertion tongue separated from the limit socket, so that the slider switches between a locked position and an unlocked position. The disclosure is reliable in action, less prone to unsuccessful unlocking, simple to operate, easy to carry, and more reasonable and stable in structure.