Toolbox Operating Rod Assembly with Resilient Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional toolbox operating rod assemblies are inconvenient to use due to the need for manual retrieval and are prone to disengagement during vibrations, and they lack stability in extended positions.
Innovation Solution
A toolbox design featuring a base with a supporting seat and socket that securely holds an operating rod through a resilient positioning mechanism, allowing it to be easily pivoted between storage and extended positions, ensuring stability and easy retrieval.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the operating rod is held by friction fit between the operating rod and the tubular stub, then the structure is simple, but the operating rod is apt to disengage during vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
A resilient member acts as an intermediary between the operating rod and the tubular stub, providing a positive locking engagement through its resilient protrusion that engages with the annular groove on the operating rod, preventing disengagement during vibrations while maintaining structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining structure is segmented into distinct functional elements: the resilient member with positioning protrusion, the annular groove on the operating rod, and the limiting protrusion on the tubular stub, allowing each element to perform its specific function while working together as a unified retention system
2Ease of operation
If the receptacle is pivoted to extended position for easy retrieval, then the operating rod is easily accessible, but the receptacle is difficult to retain in fixed angular position
Solution Approach 1:
The receptacle is designed to be dynamically adjustable, allowing pivoting between storage and extended positions for easy retrieval, while the resilient member provides dynamic retention by engaging the operating rod only when needed, maintaining stability during use without restricting movement
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient member automatically engages with the operating rod when the receptacle is in the extended position, providing self-retention without requiring additional locking mechanisms or user intervention to maintain the angular position
3Device complexity
If the user extends hand into the toolbox to retrieve the operating rod, then the structure is simple, but the operation is inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The operating rod is extended into a third dimension by pivoting the receptacle outward from the toolbox, making the operating rod accessible from the exterior without requiring the user to reach inside the toolbox, thereby maintaining structural simplicity while dramatically improving retrieval convenience
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 design enhances the stability of the operating rod during storage and allows for smooth retrieval and multiple extended positions, providing convenience and preventing disengagement during use.
Implementation Method 1
The resilient positioning portion includes a positioning protrusion
Implementation Method 2
the operating rod 22′ is simply held in place by friction fit between the operating rod 22′ and the tubular stub 23′
Data Source
AI summary
A toolbox includes a base receiving a supporting seat having a first pivotal portion with a positioning protrusion. A limiting protrusion is formed between the positioning protrusion and a groove. A socket includes a second pivotal portion pivotably connected to the first pivotal portion. An operating rod is received in the socket and is pivotable together with the socket between a storage position and two extended positions. The positioning protrusion is selectively engaged in one of three positioning grooves in the second pivotal portion. The socket includes a first sidewall having a resilient tongue with a protrusion engaged in an annular groove of the operating rod. The second socket further includes a second sidewall having a through-hole through which the limiting protrusion can extend. A projection is formed on the second sidewall and is engaged in the groove of the supporting seat when the socket is in the storage position.