Mobile Wall Alignment Pin Mechanism for Non-Locking Reconfiguration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing moveable wall structures lack an efficient mechanism for aligning adjacent walls in a non-locking manner, which complicates their alignment and separation processes.
Innovation Solution
A mobile wall system featuring a base with ground engaging members, vertical supports, and an alignment pin that is moveable between a retracted and extended position, allowing it to engage with another mobile wall's aperture for alignment, enabling non-locking alignment and easy separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If existing moveable wall structures are used without an alignment mechanism, then the structure is simpler and easier to manufacture, but the alignment and separation processes become more complicated and less precise
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment pin is designed to be moveable between a retracted position (where it is received within an aperture) and an extended position (where it protrudes to engage with another wall). This dynamic capability allows the pin to provide precise alignment when needed while being hidden when not in use, resolving the contradiction between alignment precision and aesthetic simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment pin acts as an intermediary element between two adjacent moveable walls. It protrudes from one wall to engage with an aperture in the adjacent wall, providing a mechanical interface that enables precise alignment without requiring complex locking mechanisms or permanent connections.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a non-locking alignment mechanism is implemented, then the walls can be easily separated and reconfigured, but the alignment precision and cosmetic appearance may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The moveable alignment pin provides precise alignment when extended and engaged with the aperture, then can be retracted to allow easy separation of the walls. This dynamic mechanism maintains alignment precision while enabling flexible reconfiguration, as the pin can be extended for alignment and retracted for separation without permanent connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment pin automatically engages with the aperture when walls are brought together, providing self-alignment functionality. The user simply needs to position the walls near each other, and the pin's engagement with the aperture automatically establishes precise alignment without requiring additional adjustment mechanisms.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the alignment pin is always extended, then alignment is maintained, but the cosmetic appearance and ease of separation are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment pin transitions between extended and retracted states based on operational needs. When walls need to be aligned, the pin extends to engage with the aperture and maintain stable alignment. When separation is needed, the pin retracts to allow easy disengagement, resolving the contradiction between alignment stability and separation ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment function is segmented into distinct states: the pin can be extended for alignment stability or retracted for easy separation. This segmentation allows the system to optimize for one function at a time rather than attempting to simultaneously provide both continuous alignment and easy separation, which would be mechanically conflicting.
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile wall comprising an alignment pin moveably supported on a crossbar adjacent a vertical support. The alignment pin is selectively moveable between a retracted position, in which the alignment pin is retracted into a first aperture, and an extended position, in which at least a portion of the alignment pin extends outwardly from the first aperture. The alignment pin is selectively receivable in an aperture of another mobile wall while in the extended position to align the mobile wall with the another mobile wall.