Self-Closing Soft-Close Locker Drawer with Spring-Wire Auto-Retraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for improved functional and aesthetic enhancements in lockers or storage cabinets in athletic and sporting facilities, particularly in maintaining safety and comfort while incorporating automatic closure mechanisms for compartments.
Innovation Solution
A self-closing soft-close equipment drawer system is integrated into lockers, featuring an auto-retraction mechanism with spring wire and soft-closed drawer slides to ensure smooth and safe automatic closure of the bottom storage compartment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual closing mechanism is used, then device complexity is reduced, but safety and comfort are compromised due to potential pinching hazards and rough closure
Solution Approach 1:
The drawer is equipped with a self-closing mechanism that automatically closes the drawer without requiring manual intervention. The spring-loaded retraction system activates when the drawer is pushed in, providing automatic closure that eliminates safety hazards associated with manual operation while maintaining simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
A soft-close mechanism is integrated into the drawer system that provides cushioned damping during the closing process. This prevents rough closure and potential damage to contents or the drawer structure itself, enhancing safety and comfort while the drawer automatically returns to its closed position.
2Ease of operation
If automatic retraction mechanism is added, then safety is improved by eliminating manual closing hazards, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drawer incorporates a self-actuating retraction system using spring-loaded mechanisms that engage automatically when the drawer is pushed inward. This eliminates the need for separate motors, sensors, or control systems, providing automatic closure while keeping the mechanism simple and reliable.
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 system provides enhanced safety and comfort by ensuring smooth, automatic closure of compartments, maintaining airflow, and allowing for customization and improved aesthetics.
Implementation Method 1
an auto-retraction mechanism (213) having a spring wire (215)
Implementation Method 2
soft-closed drawer slides (207)
Data Source
AI summary
A locker includes a pair of spaced-apart upstanding sidewalls, a back wall, and at least one compartment defined between the upstanding sidewalls. A bottom storage compartment includes a pair of compartment side walls. A perforated compartment back wall and a perforated compartment front plate are connected to the compartment sidewalls. A compartment bottom wall which is connected to the pair of compartment side walls and the compartment front and back walls. A protrusion connected to the bottom of the compartment back plate which is connected by a spring wire to the auto-retracting mechanism attached to the locker back wall.