Twist Lock Assembly for Rotatable Storage-Mounted Lighting and Audio
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices lack efficient and secure mechanisms for detachably coupling lighting or audio output devices to storage units, such as those in modular storage systems, allowing for easy rotation and secure attachment/detachment.
Innovation Solution
A twist lock assembly with a rotating disc and base, featuring interlocking teeth or frictional engagement, allows for secure attachment and easy detachment of lighting or audio output devices to storage units, enabling 360-degree rotation and alignment with receptacles for stable coupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a detachable coupling mechanism is used to attach the device to the storage unit, then ease of attachment and detachment is improved, but connection stability and security may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism is divided into separate components: a base with engagement features on the device, and corresponding receptacles on the storage unit. This segmentation allows the device to be easily attached and detached while maintaining stable connection when engaged, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement features and receptacles are designed to self-align and self-lock through their geometric configuration. The protrusions and recesses automatically engage when the device is placed in the storage unit, providing reliable connection without requiring additional locking actions, thus maintaining both ease of operation and connection stability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the device is designed to rotate 360 degrees for positioning, then versatility and adaptability are improved, but mechanical complexity of the rotation mechanism worsens
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a complex active rotation mechanism with motors or actuators, the design inverts the approach by allowing passive rotation through the engagement features. The device can be rotated 360 degrees by simply twisting it while attached to the storage unit, achieving positioning flexibility without adding mechanical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism transitions from a static fixed connection to a dynamic rotatable connection. The engagement features are designed to maintain connection stability while allowing rotational movement, enabling the device to adapt to different positioning requirements without complex mechanical structures.
3Reliability
If interlocking teeth are used to prevent rotation during transport, then connection stability is improved, but ease of detachment worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement features utilize asymmetric geometry where the protrusions and recesses are shaped to provide strong engagement in the locked position, preventing rotation during transport. However, the asymmetric design includes a natural disengagement path that allows easy detachment by applying slight rotational force in the opposite direction, resolving the contradiction between connection stability and ease of detachment.
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
Enables secure, stable, and easy attachment/detachment of devices to storage units, allowing for versatile positioning and easy transport without disconnecting, while providing a frictional force for co-rotation.
Implementation Method 1
the first material engages the second material when in the engaged position to produce a frictional force between the rotating disc and the base for co-rotation
Data Source
AI summary
A product for use with a storage unit includes a body, an output element supported by the body, a rotating disc coupled to the body for rotation therewith, and a base configured to engage the storage unit. The rotating disc includes a first locking member, and the base includes a second locking member. The rotating disc is movable relative to the base between an engaged position, in which the first locking member engages the second locking member such that the base rotates with the rotating disc, and a disengaged position, in which the first locking member disengages the second locking member such that the rotating disc is rotatable relative to the base.