Automatic Latch for Two-Piece Container Self-Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current two-piece container locking mechanisms rely on manual reinstallation by TSA inspectors, which can lead to improper relocking or failure to relock, causing the container to inadvertently open during transport and compromising the security and condition of contained items.
Innovation Solution
An automatic latch system with a pivotably biased latch hook and a keeper mechanism that self-engages when the container is closed, ensuring secure locking and easy opening for inspection, utilizing a biasing element and a mounting plate to secure the latch hook over a shoulder bolt.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a manual locking mechanism is used for two-piece containers, then the container can be secured, but the locking reliability deteriorates when TSA inspectors reinstall the lock incorrectly or fail to reinstall it
Solution Approach 1:
The latch hook automatically engages with the keeper when the container pieces are brought together, eliminating the need for manual reinstallation by TSA inspectors. The self-latching mechanism ensures reliable locking without human intervention after inspection.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch hook is pre-positioned and biased toward the keeper, so that when the container pieces are closed, the latch automatically engages before any manual intervention is needed. This preliminary positioning ensures the lock is already secured when the inspector removes it.
2Reliability
If an automatic latch system is implemented, then locking reliability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic latch system is divided into separate functional components: a latch hook assembly with biasing element, a keeper component, and a tapered edge feature. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function while maintaining overall system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex manual locking mechanism is extracted and replaced with a simple automatic engagement system. The essential locking function is isolated to the latch hook and keeper interaction, removing unnecessary complexity from the overall system.
3Extent of automation
If the latch hook is biased in a parallel orientation, then the engagement is automatic, but the ease of opening for inspection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The latch hook is designed to be dynamic rather than fixed, allowing it to pivot between an engaged position (parallel to the container) and a disengaged position (perpendicular for opening). This dynamic capability enables both automatic locking and easy manual opening for inspection.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring force to engage the latch, the system uses biasing to automatically engage it. To open, the user simply reverses the action by pulling the pieces apart, allowing the biasing element to naturally return the latch to its engaged position when closed.
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 automatic latch system provides secure self-locking of two-piece containers, preventing accidental opening during transport and ensuring the safety and integrity of contents, while allowing easy access for inspection.
Implementation Method 1
a latch hook pivotably biased in a parallel orientation to a first piece of the two-piece container
Data Source
AI summary
A self-locking latch assembly for a two-piece container is provided. The latch assembly has a latch hook pivotably biased in a parallel orientation to the first piece of the two-piece container, while a keeper is connected though spaced apart from the surface of the second piece of the two-piece container. The two-piece container is adapted to move between an open and closed position by sliding an open end of the larger piece over an open end of a smaller piece. During this sliding action, toward the closed position, a tapered edge of the latch hook strikes the keeper and is urged upward until the tapered edge ends, whereby the biasing of the latch hook urges it to engage the keeper in a locked condition. To unlock the latch hook, one can pivot it to a nonparallel orientation and slide the two pieces apart.