Rotatable Drawer Handle for One-Handed Vehicle Tray Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shelving systems in vehicles, such as trucks and vans, face issues with trays sliding undesirably during sharp turns or abrupt stops, leading to items falling off due to inadequate locking mechanisms that are difficult to access, especially when the driver is carrying other items.
Innovation Solution
A drawer assembly with a handle comprising a first and second portion, where the second portion is rotatable to move a drawer release between locked and unlocked orientations, allowing for easy operation without springs or additional assist devices, and featuring a lifting motion to disengage the drawer from the frame, providing a more robust and user-friendly locking mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking mechanism is used to prevent trays from sliding, then the trays are secured during vehicle movement, but the locking mechanism is difficult to access and may require two hands to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional locking mechanism operation by using a lifting motion instead of a pressing motion. The handle is positioned on the outer surface of the drawer assembly, allowing easy access with one hand. The lifting action of the handle disengages the locking mechanism, reversing the typical downward pressing action found in conventional systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a drawer release as an intermediary component between the handle and the locking element. The drawer release rotates about a pivot and translates the lifting motion of the handle into the necessary movement to disengage the locking element from the locking surface, facilitating easy one-handed operation.
2Reliability
If a conventional locking mechanism with a thumb release is used, then the drawer can be locked, but the thumb release is small and located remotely, making it difficult to access when carrying items
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional thumb release mechanism by positioning the handle on the outer surface of the drawer assembly rather than inside. The handle provides a large gripping surface that is easily accessible, and the lifting motion replaces the difficult thumb pressing action.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent moves the locking interface from an internal, hard-to-reach location to an external, easily accessible location. The handle is positioned on the outer surface of the drawer assembly, allowing users to operate the locking mechanism from the outside without needing to reach inside or manipulate small internal components.
3Ease of operation
If trays are allowed to slide freely, then accessing items is convenient, but items may move or fall off during sharp turns or abrupt stops
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic locking system where the drawer can be easily unlocked and slid when needed, but automatically locks when stationary or during vehicle movement. The locking mechanism engages automatically when the drawer is pushed back, providing security during transport while allowing convenient access when the vehicle is stopped.
Solution Approach 2:
The drawer assembly includes automatic locking functionality where pushing the drawer back causes the locking element to engage with the locking surface, securing the drawer without requiring manual intervention. The system serves itself by automatically transitioning between locked and unlocked states based on drawer position.
Data Source
AI summary
A drawer assembly includes a member having a first locking element. A drawer includes a frame and a handle having a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is coupled to the frame. The second portion is coupled to the first portion. A drawer release includes a first end and a second end and is rotatably coupled to the drawer. The first end includes a second locking element. The second portion is rotatable relative to the first portion to move the drawer release between a first orientation in which the second locking element directly engages the first locking element to prevent the drawer from translating relative to the member and a second orientation in which the second locking element is spaced apart from the first locking element to allow the drawer to translate relative to the member.