Lever-Actuated Storage Bin Clamp for Secure Vehicle Stowage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gear or objects stowed on a movable platform in a vehicle's auxiliary storage area are prone to falling unless strapped, limiting the utility of the platform.
Innovation Solution
A storage bin with an expansion clamp that secures to a slot using a lever-actuated linkage, converting rotational motion to linear motion to lock the bin in place, and includes a slidable member with a cam to push a plunger further into the slot, ensuring secure attachment to the platform.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If gear is stowed on a movable platform without strapping, then accessibility is improved, but the gear is prone to falling
Solution Approach 1:
The storage system is divided into a movable platform for accessibility and a separate bin with expansion clamp for security. The bin can be independently secured to the platform, allowing gear to be stored securely within the bin while the platform remains movable for easy access.
Solution Approach 2:
The bin is pre-equipped with an expansion clamp mechanism that can be quickly deployed to secure the bin to the movable platform. This preliminary preparation of the securing mechanism allows for rapid attachment without requiring strapping of individual gear items.
2Reliability
If an expansion clamp is added to secure the bin to the slot, then security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The expansion clamp mechanism is integrated into the bin structure, merging the securing function with the bin itself. The clamp is coupled to the base of the bin and works in conjunction with the existing lever mechanism, combining multiple functions into a unified structure rather than adding separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The lever mechanism actuates the expansion clamp through a linkage system that converts rotational motion to linear motion automatically. The cam mechanism on the slidable member pushes the plunger further into the slot without requiring additional manual intervention, allowing the bin to self-secure when the lever is engaged.
3Ease of operation
If a lever mechanism is used to actuate the expansion clamp, then ease of operation is improved, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The manual operation of securing the bin is replaced by a mechanical linkage system driven by a simple lever. The linkage converts the rotational motion of the lever into linear motion of the expansion clamp, and the cam mechanism provides automatic engagement, replacing what would otherwise require complex manual manipulation of multiple components.
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 solution prevents the storage bin and its contents from shifting or falling, allowing easy loading and unloading without the need for additional strapping, and provides access to electrical power within the bin.
Implementation Method 1
a slidable member secured to the linkage with a pivot, with the slidable member including a cam configured to push a plunger of the expansion clamp
Implementation Method 2
a linkage configured to convert rotational motion of the lever to a linear motion of the expansion clamp
Data Source
AI summary
Example illustrations herein are directed to an apparatus comprising a bin, and an expansion clamp coupled to a base of the bin. The expansion clamp is configured to be extended from the base to secure the base to a slot. The apparatus also includes a lever of the bin configured to actuate the expansion clamp. Other examples are directed to a storage bin that comprises a base, a frame extending from the base, one or more flexible walls retained by the frame, and an expansion clamp coupled to the base. The expansion clamp may be configured to be extended from the base to secure the base to a slot. The storage bin may also include a lever on an outer surface of the bin, the lever configured to actuate the expansion clamp.