Automatic Bottom Lock Multi-Directional Container Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing manual bottom locks for containers require manual operation during both laying down and lifting, leading to inefficiencies in loading and unloading processes, as they do not automatically lock or unlock with the carrier in multi-directions, potentially causing container shift and overturn.
Innovation Solution
An automatic bottom lock system featuring a lock base with a hook and guiding slopes, a locating plane, and protruding platforms, allowing for multi-directional locking and unlocking of containers during both laying down and lifting processes, preventing horizontal shift and overturn.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual operation is used for bottom lock during laying down and lifting, then the structure is simple, but the loading and unloading efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The bottom lock system performs locking and unlocking operations automatically through self-service mechanisms. During laying down, the container's weight automatically engages the hook and guiding slopes to lock the container. During lifting, the container's upward movement automatically triggers the unlocking mechanism. This eliminates the need for manual operation while maintaining structural efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock structure is pre-configured with guiding slopes and positioning features that prepare the locking mechanism in advance. The hook's guiding slope and the lock base's corresponding features are positioned to automatically engage when the container is placed, ensuring locking occurs before the container is fully settled, thereby improving efficiency without complex additional mechanisms.
2Reliability
If manual bottom lock is used, then the device complexity is low, but the container can shift and overturn during conveying
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism extends from single-direction to multi-directional locking by adding transverse guiding slopes and longitudinal guiding slopes. These slopes lock the container in multiple dimensions (front-to-back, left-to-right, and vertical), preventing shift and overturn during conveying. The locatin g plane further enhances stability by providing a horizontal locking surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The hook design incorporates asymmetric guiding slopes with different angles and orientations. The transverse guiding slope locks in one direction while the longitudinal guiding slope locks in the perpendicular direction. This asymmetric multi-slope configuration ensures the container is restrained from movement in multiple directions, enhancing reliability without requiring symmetric complex mechanisms.
3Productivity
If automatic locking is implemented, then the loading and unloading efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic locking mechanism utilizes the container's own weight and movement to trigger locking and unlocking actions. During laying down, gravity causes the container to settle onto the guiding slopes, automatically engaging the lock. During lifting, the upward movement automatically disengages the locking features. This self-service approach achieves automation without requiring external power sources or complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The guiding slopes act as intermediary elements that mediate between the container and the locking mechanism. The transverse and longitudinal guiding slopes translate the container's movement into automatic locking actions, while the hook serves as an intermediary that connects the container to the lock base. These intermediaries enable automatic operation without direct mechanical actuation systems.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides an automatic bottom lock comprises a lock base, and a lock body fastened above the lock base comprising a hook provided thereon having a transverse guiding slope extending forward and downwardly from a top at a front side of the hook, a hooking slope extending backward and downwardly from a lower end of the transverse guiding slope, a transverse sliding slope extending backward and downwardly from a top at a rear side of the hook, and a locating plane at the bottom of the lock body extending backward and downwardly from the transverse sliding slope, wherein the locating plane is vertical to the horizontal plane, and exte nds left and right along the lock body.