Leaf Collector Locking Mechanism for Upside Down Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing leaf collecting devices with multiple collectors tend to reopen and become tangled or damaged when stored upside down, due to the weight of the collectors pulling them towards the handle.
Innovation Solution
A leaf collecting device with a handle carrying two rotatably mounted leaf collectors, a sliding ring with a connecting rod, and a locking mechanism that allows the leaf collectors to be locked in the closed position, preventing reopening when stored upside down.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the leaf collectors are made rotatable to enable opening and closing for leaf collection, then the device can effectively gather and release leaves, but the leaf collectors will automatically reopen when stored upside down causing tangling and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The locking means is activated before storage to prevent the harmful action of automatic reopening. By engaging the locking mechanism prior to storing the device upside down, the leaf collectors are secured in the closed position, counteracting the gravitational force that would otherwise cause them to swing open and become tangled.
2Reliability
If a locking means is added to prevent reopening during storage, then storage stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking means is designed to be operated by the user through the existing ring mechanism, utilizing the same sliding motion already required for opening and closing the leaf collectors. This self-service approach allows the locking function to be integrated into the existing operational workflow without requiring separate complex locking systems or additional manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking function is merged with the existing ring and connecting rod mechanism. The ring serves dual purposes: it acts as the operating handle for opening/closing the leaf collectors and simultaneously functions as the actuator for the locking means. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate locking components and reduces overall structural complexity.
3Ease of operation
If the ring is made slidable to operate the leaf collectors, then ease of operation is improved, but the ring may move unintentionally during storage causing the collectors to reopen
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static locking state to a dynamic locked state through the sliding motion of the ring. During operation, the ring slides freely to open or close the leaf collectors. During storage, the same sliding motion engages the locking means to create a static locked position. This dynamic behavior allows the single sliding mechanism to serve both operational and locking functions without requiring separate movable and fixed components.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The invention relates to a leaf collector device comprising: - a handle (3) carrying a first leaf collector (19) and a second leaf collector (17), mounted to rotate relative to each other between a closed position in which the leaf collectors (17, 19) are arranged against each other so as to grip an object (2), and an open position in which the leaf collectors (17, 19) are spaced apart from each other; - a ring (5) sliding relative to the handle (3); - a connecting rod (15) fixed to the ring (5) and to one of the leaf collectors (17) on the low side so that by sliding the ring (5) upwards, the connecting rod (15) pulls said leaf collector (17) upwards towards the open position, and vice versa, characterized by - a locking means (5a) operable to lock the sliding of the ring (5) relative to the handle (3).