Rotary Frame Locking Mechanism for Adjustable Wardrobe Rods

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lock and connection devices for frames in wardrobes only allow for reciprocal position fixing through sliding movements, failing to accommodate rotational movements between frames, which limits adaptability to different wardrobe dimensions and configurations.

Innovation Solution

A lock and connection device featuring two parts that can be manually rotated to stretch elastic fins, blocking further sliding between rods, and utilizing geometric coupling means with stop screws to secure frames in any reciprocal position, including rotational configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If stop screws are used to fix the rods in reciprocal positions through sliding movement, then the position can be fixed, but the device cannot accommodate rotational movements between frames

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to accommodate different movementsVSAvoidcomplexity of lock and connection device
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lock and connection device is designed to perform multiple functions: it can fix rods in reciprocal positions through both sliding movements and rotational movements. The two parts (5a, 6a) with elastic fins and geometric coupling means create a universal mechanism that adapts to different movement types without requiring separate locking mechanisms for each movement type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The device transitions from a static locking mechanism (stop screws) to a dynamic one where elastic fins can stretch and compress to accommodate different movement types. The geometric coupling means with stop screws work in conjunction with the elastic fins to provide adaptive locking that responds to the type of movement being applied.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the device is designed for sliding movements only, then the structure is simple, but it fails to accommodate rotational movements between frames

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverange of reciprocal positionsVSAvoidmanual rotation requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The same two parts (5a, 6a) and elastic fins mechanism that work for sliding movements also effectively constrain rotational movements. The geometric coupling means with stop screws provide the additional constraint needed for rotational positioning, creating a universal solution that handles both movement types through the same basic structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If elastic fins are stretched to block sliding between rods, then the blocking function is achieved, but the device must handle additional forces from rotational movements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveblocking effectivenessVSAvoidstructural strength
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The device combines elastic fins (providing flexibility and blocking force) with geometric coupling means featuring stop screws (providing rigid structural support). This composite approach allows the elastic fins to effectively block movements while the rigid geometric coupling structure handles the additional forces generated by rotational movements, distributing the mechanical loads appropriately.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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

Enables versatile and adaptable fixing of frames in various reciprocal positions, including both translational and rotational movements, enhancing the device's usability across different wardrobe sizes and configurations.

Implementation Method 1

the stretching apart of the two elastic fins which thus block and prevent any further reciprocal sliding between the rods of the two frames

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2175145B1Lock and connection device for fixing the rods of two distinct frames in a reciprocal position
Publication Date: 2013.03.27 VIBO SPA
  • EP2175145B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2175145B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP2175145B1 patent drawingFigure 5~9

AI summary

A lock and connection device (1a; 1b) is used for fixing the rods (2a,3a; 2b,3b) of two distinct frames in a reciprocal position, chosen from a plurality of possible reciprocal positions; the first frame acts as a support for a structure for placing objects (4a; 4b) and the second frame is connected, if necessary also indirectly, to the side walls of a wardrobe; in order to make the device allow the fixing of the two frames in reciprocal position both when the two frames are reciprocally translated and when they are reciprocally rotated, according to the invention it is envisaged that the lock and connection device is in two parts (5a,6a; 5b,6b) suitable for being reciprocally rotated by means of the manual action of a user, the reciprocal rotation of the two parts (5a,6a; 5b,6b) determining the fixing of the rods (2a,3a; 2b,3b) of the two frames in said reciprocal position.