Automatic Stacking Latch Mechanism for Hands-Free Container Securing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stacking latch mechanisms require manual operation to engage and secure containers, which can be inconvenient, especially when multiple containers need to be stacked and secured at a jobsite.
Innovation Solution
A latch mechanism that automatically secures two bodies together by applying moderate downward pressure, utilizing a rotatable latch with primary and secondary hooks and a bias to engage the hooks without manual movement, allowing the weight of the upper body to secure the lower body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a manual connector with a swinging portion is used to latch two bodies, then the latch can be securely engaged, but the operator must actively move the swinging portion into engagement which is inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is designed to automatically engage when the second body is placed on the first body. The downward force applied during stacking causes the latch to rotate and the hook to engage with the protruding portion without requiring manual operation. The system serves itself by using the stacking action itself to trigger the engagement mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch is pre-configured in an open position that allows the protruding portion to pass through. The housing and latch are designed so that when the second body is placed on the first, the geometry of the components automatically guides the hook into the engaged position with the protruding portion, preparing the engagement path in advance.
2Productivity
If a manual latch mechanism is used, then the latch can be engaged and disengaged, but it requires physical movement of parts by an operator which is not convenient when stacking multiple containers
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism automatically performs the engagement function by utilizing the downward force applied during the stacking process. The components are designed so that the act of placing the second body on the first body directly drives the latch into its engaged state, eliminating the need for separate manual operation and increasing stacking productivity.
3Ease of operation
If the latch is designed to be fully enclosed in the housing, then the appearance is cleaner and protection is improved, but the hook cannot be accessed for engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is segmented with an opening that allows the hook to extend outward for accessibility during engagement. This segmentation creates a functional zone where the hook is exposed while the rest of the latch mechanism remains protected within the housing enclosure, balancing accessibility with protection and clean appearance.
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 stacking of containers without manual operation, ensuring that the upper body can be easily placed on top of the lower body, providing a hands-free solution for securing multiple containers together.
Implementation Method 1
a bias configured to bias the latch toward its first position
Implementation Method 2
the weight of the upper body would supply enough downward force to engage the latch mechanism and secure the two bodies together
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a latch mechanism configured to secure two bodies together by simply placing one body on top of the other and applying moderate downward pressure to the top body. The latch mechanism includes a housing and a latch partially disposed within the housing. The latch includes a main body, and a primary hook and an opposing secondary hook both extending from the main body. The latch is configured to be rotatable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the primary hook is not obscured by the housing. In the second position, the primary hook is substantially obscured by the housing. The latch mechanism also includes a bias configured to bias the latch toward its first position.