Telescopic Tool Storage with External Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vertically deployable storage devices are not practical for construction sites due to lack of transportability, robustness, and accessibility issues, as they require simultaneous actuation of unlocking mechanisms and lack external locking means, making them difficult to move and transport safely.
Innovation Solution
A storage device with a frame, rolling means, telescopic uprights, and external locking/unlocking means that function as both locking and actuating mechanisms, allowing for safe transport and easy deployment, featuring a U-shaped rod for horizontal translation and orifices on uprights for locking in compact and deployed positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If internal locking means are used inside the uprights, then the device can be locked in position, but the locking means become inaccessible in the event of failure and require complex actuation mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The locking means are extracted from the internal structure of the uprights and repositioned on the external surface of the frame. This allows the locking mechanism to remain functional while becoming accessible for operation and maintenance. The locking means now include a locking element that can be manually actuated from outside the device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
A rod element serves as an intermediary component that connects the external locking means to the telescopic uprights. This rod transmits the locking force from the externally accessible locking element to the uprights, enabling reliable locking while maintaining external accessibility for operation.
2Reliability
If simultaneous actuation of two separate actuating members is required for unlocking, then the locking mechanism can be secure, but the operation becomes complex and requires precise positioning
Solution Approach 1:
Two separate actuating members are merged into a single integrated locking element. This unified element can be actuated by a single user action while still engaging both uprights simultaneously, maintaining security while simplifying the operation to a single intuitive motion rather than requiring coordinated manipulation of two separate components.
3Ease of operation
If the device is designed to be mobile with rollers, then it can be moved on smooth surfaces, but it is not transportable and cannot be safely moved to different locations
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates a dynamic locking system that adapts to different operational states. During transport, the locking means secure the telescopic uprights in a fixed configuration, preventing accidental opening. When in use on smooth surfaces, the rollers enable mobility while the locking mechanism remains engaged to maintain structural integrity, thus achieving both mobility and transportability.
4Shape
If the locking means are internal to the device, then the structure can be compact, but the locking mechanism is inaccessible and difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The locking means are extracted from the internal telescopic structure and repositioned on the external frame surface. This maintains the compact overall structure of the device while making the locking mechanism externally accessible for easy operation, inspection, and maintenance without requiring disassembly of internal 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 enables safe and easy transportation of the device while allowing for quick and simple deployment of compartments, ensuring robust locking and unlocking mechanisms are accessible and easy to use, addressing the limitations of existing devices.
Implementation Method 1
rolling means integral with the lower part of the frame
Implementation Method 2
two opposite telescopic uprights integral with the frame and associated with the compartments
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5a~5b
AI summary
Storage device (1) comprising a chassis (3), rolling means (4) attached to the lower part of the chassis, a plurality of storage compartments (2A, 2B, 2C, 2D), two opposing telescopic uprights (5) attached to the chassis and associated with the compartments, locking means (6) locking the uprights at least in the deployed position, characterized in that the locking means (6) are arranged externally to the device, constitute unlocking means, are designed to lock the device both in the deployed and compact positions, and furthermore constitute the actuating member for locking and unlocking.