Symmetrical Shuttle Locking Mechanism for Equal Rod Retraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanisms for multi-position hand trucks require dexterity to manually manipulate both rods equally for symmetrical displacement, making it difficult to achieve simultaneous and symmetrical locking mechanism operation.
Innovation Solution
A mechanism with a push member and symmetrical shuttles that allow for simultaneous and symmetrical inward motion of rods, utilizing slanted surfaces to engage and retract rods in a synchronized manner, with built-in biasing for outward locking positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If both rods are manually pulled to achieve symmetrical displacement, then the locking mechanism can be actuated, but the operation requires high dexterity and is difficult to control
Solution Approach 1:
A push member is introduced as an intermediary element that the user manipulates instead of directly pulling both rods. The push member transfers force through slanted surfaces to the shuttles and rods, mediating the user's input into the required symmetrical motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism uses slanted surfaces on the push member and shuttles that automatically convert the pushing motion into symmetrical rod retraction. The geometry of the slanted surfaces self-regulates the motion, making the system self-correcting for symmetrical displacement without requiring user skill.
2Reliability
If a push member with slanted surfaces is used to actuate the rods, then symmetrical and simultaneous motion is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions are merged into the push member: it serves as the user interface, the force transmission element, and the motion synchronization mechanism all in one component. The slanted surfaces combine force application and geometric constraint functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The push member performs multiple functions simultaneously: it is actuated by the user, transfers force to both shuttles, ensures symmetrical motion through its geometry, and works with the spring biasing system. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components.
Data Source
AI summary
A mechanism for manually actuating the symmetrical and simultaneously inward translation of spaced apart members which may be connected to a two sided locking system includes a housing that slidably houses a push member and two opposite shuttles which are at least indirectly connected to the spaced apart members. The push member and the shuttles present to each other inwardly sloped corresponding surfaces so that when the push member is pushed with manual pressure, the inwardly sloped surfaces of the push member engage the correspondingly inwardly sloped surfaces of the shuttles so that the shuttles move inwardly in a simultaneous and symmetrical manner thereby causing the members to move toward each other in a simultaneous and symmetrical manner.