Pivotable Handle Assembly Axial Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transport carts with pivoting handle arrangements face challenges in securely transitioning between use and storage positions due to the need for axial displacement against restoring forces, which can be cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of an axially displaceable locking member within the anti-rotation device, which uses a spring force to maintain the handle assembly in a locked position, allowing for a rotationally fixed connection between the handle and frame, and features such as a locking sleeve and positive engagement means like ribs and grooves to facilitate controlled pivoting between positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the entire handle assembly is moved axially against the restoring force of a return spring to disengage restraints, then the handle can be pivoted between positions, but the operation becomes cumbersome and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into a locking element that can be independently displaced axially relative to the handle assembly. This locking element is held in position by a spring and can be independently actuated to engage or disengage from the restraint, separating the locking function from the entire handle assembly movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element acts as an intermediary component between the spring force and the restraint. Instead of moving the entire handle assembly against the spring force, the locking element serves as a mediator that can be displaced to engage or disengage the restraint, reducing the effort required for operation.
2Reliability
If the locking element is held in the locked position by spring force, then the handle assembly is securely locked, but the locking element must be displaced against the spring force to release
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism provides self-service by automatically holding the locking element in the locked position without requiring additional locking actions. The spring force continuously maintains the locking element engaged with the restraint, ensuring reliable locking while allowing easy release when the locking element is displaced.
3Strength
If the locking element acts as a torque transmission element, then torques are transferred to the carrying frame, but the locking element must be precisely positioned to maintain torque transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element combines multiple functions: it serves as both a locking mechanism (engaging and disengaging the restraint) and a torque transmission element (transferring torques to the carrying frame). By merging these functions into a single component, the design reduces the number of parts while maintaining both reliable locking and torque transmission capabilities.
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
This solution ensures secure and efficient transition of the handle arrangement between use and storage positions by providing a positive connection and torque transmission, allowing the handle to be easily pivoted into the release position while maintaining stability in both positions.
Implementation Method 1
The locking element is preferably held in the locked position by a force that must be overcome to move the locking element into the release position. This force is preferably generated by a spring.
Implementation Method 2
a spring force to maintain the handle assembly in a locked position
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a transport cart with a carrying frame (1) to which at least one handle assembly (10) is attached. The handle assembly (10) is pivotable about a pivot axis (9) from a storage position to a working position, in which it is secured against pivoting by a rotation-locking device (18, 21, 24, 29, 32, 33). The rotation-locking device (18, 21, 24, 29, 32, 33) can be moved into a release position, allowing pivoting into the storage position, by displacing, in particular, one element thereof in the axial direction of the pivot axis (9). For a further development that is advantageous in use, it is proposed that the handle assembly (10) be fixed to the carrying frame (1) in the axial direction and that the locking element (21) be displaceable relative to the handle assembly (10) in the axial direction from a locking position to a release position.