Shelf System, Intercage Locking System, and Rolling Storage Module with Lockable Brake for Cage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transportation cages face challenges in securing shelves during mobile operations, such as rough terrain, sea transport, and evasive maneuvers, leading to shelf displacement and theft, while current solutions either require heavy weights or separate locking devices, which are cumbersome or inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A transportation cage design featuring adjustable shelves with a locking mechanism that allows shelves to remain secure in various orientations without tools, combined with an intercage locking system for enhanced security and a brake and lock system for the wheels, ensuring shelves stay in place and cages cannot be easily moved without opening the doors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If shelves are welded, bolted, or riveted in place to prevent displacement during mobile operations, then shelf stability is improved, but the shelving units become difficult or impossible to adjust and require additional space and weight
Solution Approach 1:
The shelf support system uses a dynamic locking mechanism where the shelf support can be positioned at multiple heights along the corner posts and locked in place. The system transitions from a static fixed position to a dynamically adjustable position that can be changed by the user. The shelf support includes a locking feature that engages with holes or slots in the corner posts to maintain stability once positioned.
Solution Approach 2:
The corner posts are segmented with multiple holes or slots at different heights, allowing the shelf support to be positioned at discrete intervals. This segmentation provides both stability (through multiple engagement points) and adjustability (through selection of different engagement points). The shelf support itself is divided into separate components that can be independently positioned and locked.
2Reliability
If separate locking devices like chains with padlocks are used to secure the storage device to prevent theft, then security is improved, but the system weight increases to more than 500 lbs and complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is merged with the cage structure itself. The corner posts include integrated locking features such as holes, slots, or recesses that work with corresponding features on the shelf supports and doors. This integration eliminates the need for separate locking devices like chains and padlocks, reducing both weight and complexity while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The cage structure provides its own locking capability through integrated features in the corner posts and shelf supports. The system is self-sufficient for security purposes, eliminating the need for external locking devices. The locking mechanism serves multiple functions including securing shelves, securing doors, and potentially anchoring the cage to external structures.
3Reliability
If the storage device is made heavy (above 500 lbs) to prevent theft according to security standards, then security is improved, but mobility and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The cage incorporates wheels with brake mechanisms that can be engaged or disengaged as needed. When the brakes are engaged, the cage remains stationary and secure; when disengaged, the cage can be easily moved despite its weight. This dynamic braking system allows the cage to function as both a heavy secure storage unit and a mobile unit depending on operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The friction characteristics of the wheel-contact surface are modified through the brake mechanism. The brake increases friction to prevent movement when engaged, and can be released to allow movement when needed. This parameter change (friction coefficient) enables the cage to maintain security during operation while remaining movable when required.
4Ease of operation
If wheels with brakes are added to enable mobility of the storage device, then ease of operation is improved, but security deteriorates as an interloper could unbrake the wheel and roll the device away
Solution Approach 1:
The brake mechanism is integrated with the locking system of the cage. The same locking features in the corner posts that secure the shelves and doors also provide anchoring points for the brake mechanism. This integration ensures that when the cage is locked, the brakes are secured in the engaged position, preventing unauthorized movement while maintaining mobility when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A transportation cage comprising: a first corner post; a second corner post; a third corner post; a fourth corner post; a first door rotatably attached to the first corner post, the first door configured to open outwardly from the transportation cage; a second door rotatably attached to the fourth corner post, the second door configured to open outwardly from the transportation cage; a first set of holes located at each of the first, second, third and fourth corner posts, the first set of holes are all at or near a first vertical height on each of the first, second, third and fourth corner posts; a second set of holes located at each of the first, second, third and fourth corner posts, the second set of holes are all at or near a second vertical height on each of the first, second, third and fourth corner posts, the second vertical height is different than the first vertical height; a third set of holes located at each of the first, second, third and fourth corner posts, the third set of holes are all at or near a third vertical height on each of the first, second, third and fourth corner posts, the third vertical height is different than the first and second vertical heights; a fourth set of holes located at each of the first, second, third and fourth corner posts, the fourth set of holes are all at or near a fourth vertical height on each of the first, second, third and fourth corner posts, the fourth vertical height is different than the first, second, and third vertical heights; first shelf support configured to slide into the holes of a selected vertical height on the first and second corner posts when the first door is in an open configuration, the first shelf support having an opening; a second shelf support configured to slide into the holes of the selected vertical height of on the third and fourth corner posts when the second door is in an open configuration, the second shelf support having an opening; a shelf configured to slide into the openings of the first shelf support and second shelf support when the first door and second door are opened, the shelf locked within the first and second shelf supports when the first and second doors are closed, the shelf configured to remain in place when the first and second doors are closed when the transportation cage is in various orientations including an upside down orientation. A transportation cage comprising: a first corner post; a second corner post; a third corner post; a fourth corner post; one or more top bars located at the top and perimeter of the transportation cage; each of the top bars having horizontal through slot, the through slot configured to allow passage from the interior of the cage to the exterior of the cage via the horizontal through slot; one or more cross-top bars located at the top of the transportation cage and generally over the interior of the transportation cage; a rod with two right angle handles slideably and rotatably located inside each of the cross-top bars, with each of the right angle handles extending out from their respective cross-top bar, one of the right angle handles configured to slide into a slot of an adjacent transportation cage's top bar horizontal through slot or a slot located on a structure. A transportation cage comprising: a first corner post; a second corner post; a third corner post; a fourth corner post; a first door rotatably attached to the first corner post, the first door configured to open outwardly from the transportation cage; a second door rotatably attached to the fourth corner post, the second door configured to open outwardly from the transportation cage; a first wheel located near the bottom of the first corner post; a second wheel located near the bottom of the second corner post; a third wheel located near the bottom of the third corner post; a fourth wheel located near the bottom of the fourth corner post; a brake and lock system located near the fourth wheel and in operable communication with the fourth wheel, the brake and lock system comprising: a brake mechanism configured to prevent the fourth wheel from rotating when engaged; a foot pedal configured to engage and disengage the brake mechanism; a lock lever in communication with the brake mechanism, when the lock lever is pushed in, the lock lever prevents disengagement of the brake mechanism, when the lock lever is pulled out, the brake can be disengaged, the lock lever further configured such that when the lock is pushed in, the lock lever can only be pulled out if the second door is opened, if the second door is closed, and the lock lever is pushed in, the lock lever can not be pulled out.