Resilient Hanging File Folder Rods for Non-Parallel Rail Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hanging file folders often lack sufficient strength and ease of adjustment along rails, leading to potential derailing due to variances in rail spacing and angle, which can result in dislodging from the rails.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a hanging file folder system with a resilient rod structure that allows for longitudinal movement of hook portions, adjusting the effective length to accommodate variances in rail angles and maintain engagement, featuring a hook and rod assembly with a resilient mechanism to prevent dislodging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the load within the pocket of a file folder increases, then the hooks and rods require increased strength to provide suitable engagement with the rails, but the file folder may be twisted or flexed and lock onto the rail, making it difficult to slide
Solution Approach 1:
The rod is designed with a resilient portion that allows dynamic adjustment of the effective length. This resilience enables the rod to flex and adapt to angle variances when folders are moved or adjusted along the rails, preventing the folder from locking onto the rail while maintaining strong engagement. The dynamic property resolves the contradiction by allowing the structure to be both strong and easily movable.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the spaced apart rails within cabinets are not provided perfectly at the same distance or are not parallel, then the file folders may not hang perpendicular to the rails, but adjusting the folders at an angle creates a greater span between hooks, causing the folder to dislodge or come off the rail
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient rod structure allows the effective length to change in response to angle variances. When rails are non-parallel or unevenly spaced, the rod flexes to accommodate the altered geometry, maintaining the hook span within the safe derailing angle threshold. This parameter change prevents dislodging while adapting to various rail configurations.
3Ease of operation
If the file folder is pushed at an angle with respect to the rails during adjustment, then the file folder can be moved along the rails, but a greater distance or span is created between the hooks, causing the folder to dislodge or come off the rail
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient portion of the rod provides dynamic adjustment capability that compensates for angle variances during movement. As the folder is pushed at an angle along the rails, the rod flexes to maintain the appropriate hook span, preventing the folder from dislodging while still allowing easy adjustment. This dynamic response resolves the contradiction between ease of movement and reliable engagement.
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
Enhances the strength and ease of sliding file folders along rails, increasing the derailing angle and allowing for secure mounting on non-parallel or unevenly spaced rails, thereby preventing dislodging and improving the overall usability of the file folder system.
Implementation Method 1
At least one of the first and second rods has a resilient structure for permitting at least one of the pair of hook portions to move longitudinally and adjust an effective length of its rod
Data Source
AI summary
Rods for use in a filing system are disclosed. An example file folder rod includes a first end, a second end and an elongated body extending between the first end and the second end, the elongated body having a longitudinal axis. The example rod also includes a hook coupled to the first end of the rod. The example hook includes a longitudinal portion extending along the longitudinal axis, an elongated hook portion coupled to an end of the longitudinal portion with the elongated hook portion extending from the longitudinal portion a first distance, and a first extension extending from the longitudinal portion with the first extension extending from the longitudinal portion a second distance, the second distance less than the first distance.