Trapezoidal Roll Top Storage Compartment with Radial Cam Panel Drive
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage compartments with roll tops face challenges in maintaining a consistent gap width during opening and closing, which can lead to instability and potential object loss or entry beneath the cover.
Innovation Solution
A storage compartment design featuring a trapezoidal roll top with a slide guidance mechanism and transverse panels, driven by a radial cam system, ensures consistent gap width and alignment, preventing objects from falling or entering beneath the cover.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a trapezoidal roll top is used to cover gaps on sides, then the gap covering is improved, but the gap width consistency deteriorates causing instability
Solution Approach 1:
The panel is made movable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position to follow the lateral displacement of the roll top's side edge during opening and closing movements. This dynamic adjustment mechanism maintains consistent gap width despite the trapezoidal shape changes
Solution Approach 2:
A panel is introduced as an intermediary element between the roll top and the storage compartment side. This panel acts as a mediator that compensates for the width variations of the trapezoidal roll top, maintaining uniform gap coverage throughout the movement cycle
2Reliability
If spring elements are used to press panels against roll top edges, then the panel seating is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The panel is designed to automatically follow the side edge of the roll top through its own movement capability, eliminating the need for external spring elements or actuators to maintain contact. The system serves itself by using the roll top's movement to drive the panel's adjustment
Solution Approach 2:
The spring elements and active pressing mechanisms are removed from the system. Instead of using additional components to maintain panel contact, the design relies on the geometric relationship and movement coordination between the roll top and panel
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
The solution provides a stable and secure storage solution by maintaining a consistent gap width during roll top movement, ensuring objects remain within the compartment and preventing entry beneath the cover, enhancing usability and security.
Implementation Method 1
driven by a radial cam system
Data Source
AI summary
A storage compartment including a roll top, which is trapezoidal from the front, and pivotable panels disposed next to the roll top. The panels are driven mechanically by way of radial cams, which are rotationally fixed to drive wheels around which the roll top runs.