Box Closure Assembly With Integrated Locking Puller for Heavy Loads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing box closures with hinges are prone to accidental opening due to deformation, especially in heavily loaded boxes made of moulded plastic, and require cumbersome multi-step operations for closure, involving multiple small components that are costly and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A simplified box closure system with a locking device comprising a fastening connector and locking puller, secured non-rotatably to the lid, allowing single-motion assembly and closure, featuring a stiffening bar for rigidity and a retention pin for secure positioning, eliminating the need for additional parts and ensuring easy operation even with work gloves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional latches with multiple small components are used to prevent accidental opening, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated handle structure that incorporates the latch mechanism, eliminating the need for separate small components. The handle itself becomes the locking element through its pivotal movement and engagement with the box body, simplifying the overall device while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle serves multiple functions: it acts as both the closing mechanism and the locking element. By designing the handle to pivot and engage with corresponding structures on the box body, it simultaneously performs the dual role of closing and securing the box, reducing the need for additional specialized components.
2Reliability
If latches with elastic elements and intermediate components are used to ensure closure under extreme conditions, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes complex intermediate components and elastic elements from the latch mechanism. Instead, it relies on the rigid structural engagement between the handle and box body, using the handle's pivotal movement and geometric constraints to maintain closure under extreme conditions without requiring additional expensive components.
Solution Approach 2:
Rather than using elastic elements to force closure, the patent inverts the approach by designing a rigid mechanical engagement system where the handle's geometry and pivotal movement inherently maintain the closed position through mechanical advantage and structural interlocking.
3Reliability
If traditional multi-step latch operations are used to ensure secure closure, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation and time required decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is pre-configured in its pivotal position and geometric orientation to automatically align with the locking engagement points on the box body. This preliminary positioning ensures that when the user closes the box, the locking action occurs automatically without requiring additional manual steps or attention.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch mechanism is designed to automatically engage and lock when the box is closed, without requiring user intervention beyond the closing motion itself. The handle's pivotal movement and geometric constraints cause the locking engagement to occur automatically, making the system self-securing.
4Ease of operation
If handles that rotate relative to intermediate elements are used, then ease of operation is improved, but the handle may end up in the closing path blocking immediate closure
Solution Approach 1:
The handle's pivotal path and engagement geometry are designed asymmetrically so that the handle's movement trajectory does not intersect with the closing path of the box lid. This asymmetric configuration ensures that the handle cannot block the closure motion while still allowing smooth pivotal movement for operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent positions the handle's rotation axis and engagement points in different spatial dimensions, ensuring that the handle's pivotal movement occurs in a plane that does not interfere with the vertical closing motion of the box lid, eliminating the blocking issue.
Data Source
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AI summary
Improved box closure and transport assembly comprising a top cover (2), a bottom cover (3), and a securing element (5), wherein the top cover (2) pivots with respect to the bottom cover (3), and each has at least one fastening protrusion (2a) on the top cover (2), in which a locking device (4) is placed, and a locking protrusion (3b) aligned in the closed position with the bottom cover (3), and the locking device (4) consists of a fastening connector (4a) and a locking puller (4b), which has at one end a rotation hole (4b.1) and, at the opposite end, a locking protrusion (4b.3), whose locking projection (4b.3.1) is capable of being inserted into a locking groove (3b.1) arranged in the locking protrusion (3b). The fastening connector (4a) is fixed in a non-rotatable manner to the top cover (2) by means of fastening protrusions (4a.3) located at both ends of the fastening connector (4a), and the insertion of fastening projections (4a.3.1), located at the ends of each fastening protrusion (4a.3), into the fastening grooves (2a.1) arranged at the ends of the fastening protrusion (2a), and it comprises a securing element (5) that contains a stiffening bar (5b) and a hooking element (5a).