Bail Handle Latching and Lifting Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing containment cases with complex latching mechanisms for the lid are costly and overly complex, and attaching handles to the lid rather than the tray increases the load on the lid-tray interface, making them inefficient for supporting the weight of discrete articles.

Innovation Solution

A bail handle structure is integrated into the tray, allowing it to pivot and serve as both a lifting handle and a lid latch, eliminating the need for separate latching mechanisms and distributing weight more evenly by being attached to the tray rather than the lid.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If complex latching mechanisms are used to secure the lid, then the lid can be securely latched, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelid latching reliabilityVSAvoidlatching mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The handle is designed to perform dual functions: serving as both a lifting handle and a lid latch. The handle includes a latching portion that extends over the closing lid and engages with the tray, eliminating the need for separate latching mechanisms. This merging of functions reduces device complexity while maintaining secure lid latching.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The handle structure is designed to be multi-functional, serving as both a lifting handle and a latching mechanism. The same handle component that allows users to lift the case also provides the latching function through its portion that extends over the closing lid, making it a universal component that performs multiple operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If handles are attached to the lid, then the handle can be easily positioned, but the load on the lid-tray interface increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehandle positioning easeVSAvoidload on lid-tray interface

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The handle is segmented into functional portions: a lifting portion that extends from the tray and a latching portion that extends over the closing lid. This segmentation allows the handle to be attached to the tray (supporting weight) while having portions that perform latching and lifting functions, distributing loads appropriately.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of attaching the handle to the lid as in conventional designs, the handle is inverted and attached to the tray. This inversion allows the handle to support the weight of the lid and articles while still providing the necessary latching and lifting functions through its extended portions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Reliability

If separate latching mechanisms are used, then the lid can be securely latched, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelid latching reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The latching function is merged into the handle structure itself, eliminating the need for separate latching mechanisms. The handle includes a latching portion that engages with the tray to secure the lid, reducing the number of components and simplifying manufacturing while maintaining secure lid latching.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS8668111B2Containment case with latching handle

Publication Date: 2014.03.11 VIANT AS&O HLDG LLC

AI summary

A bail handle and containment case assembly, including a tray and closing lid, the bail handle including a portion that serves part of a latching function when in a first position over the lid and then serves part of a lifting function when pivoted off of the lid and moved into a second position.