Shared Lid Mechanism for Multi-Container Storage Rack Access
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing article storage apparatuses require complex operations to open and close containers, leading to a high number of parts and increased task complexity.
Innovation Solution
A storage rack with a container and a separate lid mechanism that reciprocates between closed and open positions, allowing for simple operation using a common lid to open and close multiple containers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a lid is integrated with each container, then each container can be opened and closed independently, but the number of parts increases and operations become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
A single lid mechanism is designed to serve multiple containers sequentially. The lid can be moved to different positions to cover different containers, allowing one lid to perform the function of multiple lids while reducing the total number of parts and simplifying operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple lid functions into a single lid structure. By merging the functionality of multiple individual lids into one shared lid that can service multiple containers, the system reduces part count while maintaining the ability to independently access each container.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate lid mechanisms are provided for each container, then each container can be accessed independently, but the number of parts increases and tasks become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The single lid mechanism is designed with multi-functional capability to access different containers. It can be positioned to cover or expose any of the multiple containers in the stack, providing independent access to each container without requiring separate lid mechanisms for each one.
Solution Approach 2:
The lid mechanism incorporates dynamic positioning capability, allowing it to move between different containers. This dynamic behavior enables a single static lid structure to perform multiple functions by changing its position, thereby providing independent access to each container without multiplying the number of lid mechanisms.
3Device complexity
If a common lid is used for multiple containers, then the number of parts is reduced and operations are simplified, but the lid must be able to service different container positions
Solution Approach 1:
The lid mechanism is designed with dynamic positioning capability, allowing it to move between different containers. This dynamic behavior enables a single static lid structure to perform multiple functions by changing its position, thereby providing independent access to each container without multiplying the number of lid mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The lid acts as an intermediary element between the user and multiple containers. By positioning the lid at different locations, it mediates access to different containers, allowing a single lid to control multiple containers without requiring direct user interaction with each container individually.
Data Source
AI summary
In a recent article storage apparatus, it is required to be able to open and close the opening of a container by a simple operation while reducing the number of parts of the article storage apparatus.An article storage apparatus includes a storage rack (12) on which a container (24) having an opening is set, and a lid (28) provided at a separate member from the container, and reciprocable between a closed position where the lid (28) closes the opening of the container (24) arranged at a predetermined position on the storage rack (12) and an open position where the lid (28) is retracted from the closed position to open the opening. Thereby, for example, when a plurality of containers (24) are sequentially arranged on the storage rack (12), the containers (24) can be opened and closed by a simple operation using a common lid (28).