Telescoping Twist-Lock Package With Anti-Rocking Supports
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing adjustable length product packages are complicated to manufacture, use, and prone to inadvertent locking/unlocking and mechanical instability, leading to inefficiencies and reliability issues.
Innovation Solution
A telescoping twist and lock package with simple tubular pieces, intuitive visual cues, built-in locking features, and anti-rocking supports to facilitate easy assembly and secure engagement, reducing manufacturing costs and improving user-friendliness and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing locking telescoping packages use complex mating interlock features and locking mechanisms, then adjustability and versatility are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The package is divided into two separate tubular members (first and second tubular members) that can independently telescope relative to each other. This segmentation allows each member to have simpler individual structures while achieving complex overall adjustability through their relative movement and interaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The tubular members are designed with universal features that allow them to serve multiple functions: they provide structural containment, enable telescopic adjustment, incorporate locking mechanisms, and offer visual alignment guidance. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components.
2Reliability
If existing packages use complex locking mechanisms, then secure locking is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to non-intuitive assembly and operation
Solution Approach 1:
Visual alignment features (such as alignment marks or colored indicators) are incorporated on the tubular members to provide intuitive guidance during assembly and operation. These visual cues change or become visible at specific positions to guide users in achieving proper alignment and engagement of the locking mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-aligning and self-latching. When the tubular members are brought together in the correct orientation (indicated by visual features), the locking features automatically engage without requiring complex manual manipulation or specialized tools from the user.
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing telescoping packages allow fine gradations of locked positions, then adaptability is improved, but mechanical instability and inadvertent locking/unlocking increase
Solution Approach 1:
The telescoping mechanism allows dynamic adjustment between multiple locked positions while maintaining stability at each position. The system transitions smoothly between positions during adjustment but locks firmly when positioned, providing both adaptability and mechanical stability through its dynamic design.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking features are designed with pre-positioned engagement points and cushioning elements that prevent inadvertent unlocking. The mechanism is biased toward the locked state, and unlocking requires deliberate user action rather than accidental forces during normal handling.
Data Source
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AI summary
A user friendly twist and lock telescoping tubular package includes tubular package pieces with built-in visual cues assisting a user in the proper assembly and operation of the package, and with improved engagement features opposing improper operation of the package while facilitating proper use of the package. Improved locking features are more resistant to inadvertent unlocking or repositioning of the package. Support and stability features enhance the locking connections and improve reliability of the locking connections.