Utility Module Coupling Mechanism With Sliding Locking Panels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tool storage systems lack a reliable and efficient mechanism for detachably coupling utility modules to modular storage units, which complicates the secure transportation and organization of tools and accessories.
Innovation Solution
A coupling mechanism featuring a housing with slideable locking panels and a rotatable locking mechanism that biases the panels to increase or decrease width, allowing secure engagement and disengagement with modular storage units, utilizing a cam or shaft to actuate between locked and unlocked positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a coupling mechanism with slideable locking panels and rotatable locking mechanism is used, then the reliability of detachable coupling is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism is divided into separate functional components: housing, first locking panel, second locking panel, locking mechanism, and biasing element. Each component performs a specific function, allowing for independent design optimization and easier manufacturing while maintaining overall system reliability through coordinated operation of these segmented parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking panels are designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing them to slide between locked and unlocked positions. The rotatable locking mechanism dynamically changes the width between panels during actuation, providing adaptive coupling that responds to engagement forces and ensures reliable connection while maintaining operational simplicity.
2Ease of operation
If the locking mechanism actuates to increase width between locking panels, then the ease of operation for secure engagement is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism integrates multiple functions into a single rotatable component that simultaneously controls both locking panels. By combining the actuation of the first and second locking panels into one rotational motion, the mechanism achieves secure engagement with simple operation while reducing the number of separate actuators and control systems needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing element automatically returns the locking panels to their initial position after actuation, eliminating the need for additional mechanisms to reset the system. The mechanical design allows the coupling mechanism to service itself through the natural elastic recovery of the biasing element, simplifying the overall actuation process.
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 quick and secure coupling and decoupling of utility modules to modular storage units, ensuring tools and accessories are securely transported and organized, accommodating various shapes and sizes of utility modules.
Implementation Method 1
a first biasing element that biases the first locking panel towards the second locking panel
Implementation Method 2
a cam rotatably coupled to the housing. The cam includes a periphery that interfaces with each of the first locking panel and the second locking panel. The cam rotates with respect to the housing around a second axis, and the cam actuates between an unlocked position and a locked position.
Data Source
AI summary
A coupling mechanism for a utility module is provided. The coupling mechanism includes locking panels that interface with opposing tabs of a modular storage system. The locking panels actuate between a locked position and an unlocked position.