Tiltable Accessory Support with Pivoting Locking Arm Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flush-mounted accessories for walls, such as power outlets and USB sockets, require complex mechanisms with multiple parts and precise adjustments, making them difficult to manufacture and use, particularly in terms of actuating the locking system which often necessitates precise pressure application and continuous spring adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A simplified accessory design featuring pivotable locking arms with resilient return means that continuously urge them into locking positions, an actuator button with a presser wall and actuator rib, and a pivot system that allows easy and intuitive operation, independent of the accessory support, enabling easy switching between lowered and raised positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking system with compression springs is used to hold the actuator button in locking position, then the locking reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases and precise adjustments are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the compression spring from the actuator button assembly and relocates it to the locking arm. This extraction simplifies the button structure while maintaining locking reliability through the resilient return means on the locking arm that automatically returns the locking arm to its initial position after actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking arm with resilient return means automatically returns to its initial locking position after being actuated, without requiring additional springs or complex mechanisms on the actuator button. The system serves itself by using the locking arm's own resilient means to maintain the locking state.
2Force
If a compression spring acts on the actuator button to maintain locking position, then the locking force is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to requiring precise pressure application
Solution Approach 1:
The compression spring is extracted from the actuator button and placed on the locking arm instead. This eliminates the need for users to apply precise pressure at specific locations on the button, as the spring force is now applied to the locking arm which provides more intuitive and easier actuation through the actuator button's pressing surface.
3Reliability
If multiple compression springs are used in the locking system, then the reliability of maintaining locking position is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
One compression spring is extracted from the actuator button assembly and relocated to the locking arm. This reduces the total number of springs from two to one, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and precision requirements while maintaining reliable locking through the resilient return means on the locking arm.
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 simplifies manufacturing and usage by providing a more intuitive actuation mechanism, reducing the complexity of parts and adjustments, allowing for easy operation with a larger press surface and automatic return to standby positions, enhancing user experience and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
resilient return means that continuously urge them into locking positions
Data Source
AI summary
An accessory includes: a façade plate presenting an opening; an accessory support mounted to tilt through the opening between a lowered position in which it extends below the façade plate, and a raised position in which a major portion thereof extends above the façade plate; and a locking system including a locking arm movable between a locking position in which a blocking portion of the locking arm bears against a blocking surface of the accessory support, and a release position in which the blocking portion is spaced apart from the blocking surface, and an actuator button, causing each locking arm to move, which actuator button is tiltable about a tilt axis extending parallel to the mean plane of the façade plate. Each locking arm pivots about a pivot axis perpendicular to the actuator button tilt axis, and a return mechanism continuously urges each locking arm into its locking position.