Rotating Storage Cabinet for Stable Tool Dispensing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dispensing cabinets for tools and small parts are prone to tipping over when drawers are pulled out, and require numerous flaps and drive devices, making them bulky, heavy, and inefficient for storing and retrieving items.
Innovation Solution
A compact dispensing cabinet with a movable storage unit and a control unit that positions selected objects at a dispensing opening, using a rotary carousel with multiple access doors that are unlocked based on user input, allowing for stable and efficient retrieval without moving drawers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If drawers are pulled out to access stored items, then user access is enabled, but the cabinet becomes unstable and may tip over
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by implementing a movable storage unit that rotates on a vertical axis within the cabinet. The storage unit can dynamically change its position from a retracted state (when not in use) to an extended state (when an item needs to be accessed). This allows the cabinet to maintain stability in its retracted position while still providing easy access when needed, resolving the contradiction between stability and ease of operation.
2Ease of operation
If multiple flaps and locking devices are provided for individual item access, then item retrieval is enabled, but the drawer becomes large and heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the extraction principle by removing the heavy drawer structure and replacing it with a lightweight rotating storage unit. Instead of providing multiple flaps and locking devices in a heavy drawer, the invention extracts the essential function of individual item access and implements it through a rotating carousel mechanism with lightweight components. This dramatically reduces the weight while maintaining the ability to retrieve individual items easily.
3Productivity
If a large number of flaps and locking devices are provided for each stored part, then individual dispensing is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the universality principle by implementing a single rotating storage unit that serves multiple functions: it stores numerous items, provides individual access to each item through rotation, and eliminates the need for multiple separate flaps and locking devices. The rotating mechanism universally handles the access control for all stored items, significantly reducing device complexity while maintaining individual dispensing capability.
4Ease of operation
If drawers are pulled out to access items, then item selection is enabled, but the risk of tipping over increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by implementing a movable storage unit that rotates on a vertical axis within the cabinet. The storage unit can dynamically change its position from a retracted state (when not in use) to an extended state (when an item needs to be accessed). This allows the cabinet to maintain stability in its retracted position while still providing easy access when needed, resolving the contradiction between stability and ease of operation.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~7
AI summary
The dispensing cabinet (10) comprises a housing (12), a storage unit arranged in the housing and having several storage spaces for the objects, and an input device (50) for selecting an object to be dispensed and for inputting the objective and/or user-related data. The housing has a dispensing opening (14) on which several lockable access doors (13) are arranged. A control unit is provided to control a drive device, to position the selected object in front of opening and unlock the door in front of storage space holding a desired object, so as to give access to a user. An independent claim is included for a method for controlled dispensing of objects.