Storage Box Interlocking Mechanism for Variable Sizes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage box interlocking mechanisms cannot accommodate boxes of different lengths and widths, limiting their versatility for professional users who need to carry diverse tools.
Innovation Solution
A connection structure featuring a first connection part with a movable locking part and a resilient member, along with a stop part that allows automatic locking and unlocking, enabling interlocking of storage boxes of varying sizes without manual operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional locking mechanisms are used, then the locking structure is simple, but it cannot interlock storage boxes of different sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The locking part is designed to be movable relative to the mounting portion, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position. The resilient member enables the locking part to move between locked and unlocked states automatically, providing adaptability for different box sizes while maintaining a relatively simple structure through dynamic rather than static design
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient member automatically drives the locking part to remain in a locked state without requiring manual operation. The system performs the locking function self-service by using the resilient member's elastic force to maintain the locked position, reducing the need for complex manual locking mechanisms
2Ease of operation
If manual locking operation is required, then the locking mechanism is simple, but the operation process is complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient member automatically drives the locking part to remain in a locked state without requiring manual operation. When the storage box is placed on the other end, the resilient member automatically pushes the locking part to the locked position, achieving automatic locking and significantly reducing operation time
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient member is pre-loaded with elastic potential energy that is automatically converted to kinetic energy to drive the locking part into the locked position. This preliminary preparation of energy allows for rapid automatic locking without requiring manual intervention or complex multi-step operations
3Reliability
If a stop part is added to prevent accidental locking, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stop part acts as an intermediary element between the locking part and the resilient member. It mediates the interaction by limiting the movement of the locking part and preventing accidental locking, while working cooperatively with the resilient member to ensure reliable locking only when intended, thus improving reliability with minimal additional complexity
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
Facilitates automatic locking and unlocking of storage boxes, simplifying the process and allowing for easy stacking and separation of boxes of different sizes, enhancing user convenience and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a first resilient member disposed between the mounting portion and the locking portion, said first resilient member causing said locking part to automatically remain in a locked state
Implementation Method 2
said first resilient member causing said locking part to be automatically maintained in a locked state
Implementation Method 3
a second resilient member disposed between the holding slot and the card block; when said second resilient member is extended, said card block extends out of the holding slot and when said second resilient member is compressed, said card block is compressed in the holding slot
Data Source
AI summary
A mating part in a locking path of a stop part so that the locking part is not automatically lockable and a first connection part is in a state of remaining unlocked from a second connection part.