Rotating Support Cam Mechanism for Nesting Material Handlers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing material handling devices lack efficient mechanisms for transitioning between stacking and nesting positions, which affects their storage and transportation efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A material handling device with a rotatable support member and a resilient biasing member that engages a cam to automatically transition between stacking and nesting positions, facilitated by guide channels and biasing members to ensure secure positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a rotatable support member is used to enable stacking and nesting positions, then the device can be stacked or nested efficiently, but the mechanism for transitioning between positions becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient biasing member is configured to automatically urge the support member into either the stacking or nesting position based on the relative position of adjacent devices, eliminating the need for manual intervention or complex control mechanisms to transition between positions
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism translates rotational movement of the support member into linear displacement, changing the positional parameter of the support member relative to the side wall as it transitions between stacking and nesting positions, enabling automatic positioning through simple rotation
2Stability of the object's composition
If the support member is held in position by friction or simple contact, then the structure remains simple, but the positioning stability and security are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The cam mechanism utilizes curved surface geometry to convert rotational motion into precise linear positioning, where the cam surface profile ensures the support member is urged into exact stacking or nesting positions with stable contact against the side wall
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient biasing member acts as an intermediary element between the support member and the side, providing continuous urging force to maintain stable positioning while allowing for controlled movement during transitions between positions
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 efficient stacking and nesting of devices, providing stable support and easy movement between positions, enhancing storage and transportation efficiency while maintaining device integrity.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient biasing member coupled to the side configured to urge the support member into one of the stacking and nesting positions
Data Source
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AI summary
A material handling device (10) includes a base (20), a side (14), a support member (50), and a resilient biasing member (60). The side extends from the base and defines a device interior (12) with the base. The support member is disposed within the device interior proximate the side. The support member includes a cam (52) and is rotatable between a material handling device stacking position and a material handling device nesting position. The biasing member is coupled to the side and is configured to engage the cam and thereby urge the support member into one of the stacking and nesting positions. The resilient biasing member is also configured to effect a translation of the support member towards the side as the support member rotates from a position intermediate the stacking and nesting positions to the one of the stacking position and nesting positions.