Modular Rolling Container Assembly with Telescopic Handle and Rocker Lock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional rolling container assemblies lack modularity, making them less efficient for transporting and organizing tools and equipment between working locations.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a modular structure with non-releasable and releasable connections between storage containers and container tops, allowing for customizable configurations and easy assembly/disassembly, along with a telescopic handle and rocker lock mechanism for enhanced usability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional rolling container assemblies are used, then the structure is simple, but the modularity and flexibility are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The rolling container assembly is divided into multiple independent container modules, each with standardized connection interfaces. These modules can be individually manufactured and then assembled in various configurations using the connection mechanisms (latches, locking arms, coupling elements), enabling modular and flexible arrangements without requiring complex integrated designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The container modules are designed with universal connection interfaces that can accommodate different module types and configurations. The standardized latches, locking arms, and coupling elements can be used across all modules, allowing the same basic components to serve multiple functions in different modular arrangements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If container modules are made easily reconfigurable, then the flexibility improves, but the connection reliability may decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system incorporates dynamic elements including movable latches that can engage/disengage, telescopic handling members that adjust positions, and locking arms that pivot between locked and unlocked states. These dynamic components allow easy reconfiguration while maintaining secure connections during transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The container modules are pre-equipped with standardized connection interfaces, latches, and locking mechanisms that are already in place before assembly. This preliminary preparation enables quick and reliable connection without requiring complex assembly procedures or compromising connection integrity during reconfiguration.
3Ease of operation
If a telescopic handle with multiple positions is provided, then the ease of operation improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The telescopic handle employs a nested structure where multiple handle sections are housed within each other. These sections can extend and retract in a compact sequence, providing multiple height positions without requiring excessive space or complex external support structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle mechanism includes self-latching features and automatic locking mechanisms that secure the handle at selected positions without requiring additional fastening operations. The telescopic sections engage with each other through built-in detents or friction locks, enabling users to adjust and secure the handle position through simple manual operation.
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 2
AI summary
An apparatus (10) for transporting articles between working locations comprises at least one container having an interior space in which articles to be transported can be stored, and one or more rotatable ground engaging wheels (12) mounted toward the bottom of the apparatus (10) for rotation about an axis to provide rolling support for the apparatus (10). An adjustable pulling handle (24) is slideable between a retracted position and an extended position, the pulling handle (24) and the one or more ground engaging wheels (12)being arranged to enable a user to manually pull the pulling handle (24) generally rearwardly so as to tilt the apparatus (10) rearwardly to a tilted rolling movement position, thereby enabling the user to roll the apparatus (10) to a desired location by pushing or pulling the pulling handle (24) in a desired direction. A rocker lock (90) is constructed and arranged to be moveable between 1) a locked position wherein the pulling handle (24) is locked at a selected position such that sliding movement of the pulling handle (24) between the retracted position and the extended position is prevented and 2) an unlocked position wherein sliding movement of pulling handle (24) between the retracted position and the extended position is permitted. The rocker lock (90) has a first portion (162) and a second portion (164), a pivot axis (166) provided between the first portion (162) and the second portion (164), and a biasing member (168) that biases the rocker lock (90) towards the locked position. The rocker lock (90) is actuatable against the bias of the biasing member (168) to pivot the rocker lock (90) to the unlocked position, and the second portion is constructed and arranged to lock the pulling handle (24) when the rocker lock (90) is in the locked position