Cam-Profile Locking Device for Collapsible Container Uprights
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing collapsible container uprights require significant effort and precision for unlocking, especially when operated by a single person, due to the repetitive nature and weight of common operating members, making handling cumbersome and ergonomically challenging.
Innovation Solution
A locking device with a cam profile and maneuvering member that allows for simultaneous unlocking of paired uprights by a single actuation, reducing the need for precise movement and physical effort, utilizing a cam path to guide the locking part for automatic release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a common operating member is used to unlock paired uprights simultaneously, then the productivity of unlocking operation is improved, but the device complexity and weight increase due to the common member extending between two uprights
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system is segmented into independent locking parts for each upright, each with its own reception site and cam profile. This allows each upright to be unlocked independently through its own operating member, eliminating the need for a heavy common operating member while maintaining the ability to unlock paired uprights efficiently
Solution Approach 2:
Each locking device is designed as a universal unit that can function independently on any upright. The standardized locking part, reception site, and cam profile configuration allow any operating member to work with any upright, providing flexibility without requiring complex interconnected structures
2Reliability
If the operator must take precise movements to unlock the remote locking device, then the reliability of unlocking is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to the required precision and concentration
Solution Approach 1:
The cam profile is designed to guide the locking part automatically through the unlocking motion. When the operating member is actuated, the cam profile's geometric shape automatically directs the locking part along the correct path to disengage from the reception site, eliminating the need for the operator to control the precision of the movement manually
Solution Approach 2:
The cam profile acts as an intermediary element between the operating member and the locking part. It translates the simple actuation motion of the operating member into the precise guiding motion required for the locking part to disengage reliably, without requiring the operator to directly control this precise motion
3Ease of operation
If the uprights are locked automatically by engagement under gravity or elastic means, then the ease of operation for locking is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional locking mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the upright's own weight (gravity) to automatically drive the locking part into engagement with the reception site when the upright is in the upright position. This self-locking mechanism requires no additional elastic means or complex locking mechanisms, simply utilizing the natural gravitational force on the upright structure
Solution Approach 2:
The weight of the upright, which could be considered a burden during manual handling, is converted into a beneficial force that automatically secures the locking. The gravitational force on the upright naturally drives the locking part into the reception site, turning the upright's weight into a reliable locking mechanism
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
Facilitates easy and ergonomic unlocking of collapsible container uprights, reducing the physical effort and concentration required, allowing for efficient folding and locking operations with minimal operator strain.
Implementation Method 1
the body support 3 comprises a path or cam profile 7 for the maneuvering member 6, which is capable, from a locked position of the upright 1 in the straightened state, of transforming, guiding or influencing the movement of the member 6 under the action of an operator, so as to produce a movement at the level of the part 4 resulting in a release of the lock
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2
AI summary
The present invention relates to a locking device for a folding upright of a container with a rectangular base, said upright being secured to one of the corners of the base by means of a support body with a U-shaped cross-section, for folding by tilting, and said locking device comprising a locking piece, suitable and intended to engage with a suitable receiving site of the support body, in the upright position of said upright and so as to lock the latter in this position.Locking device characterized in that said locking piece (4) is part of an operating member (6), also carrying the locking piece (4) of another upright on the same side of the container, and in that the support body (3) has a cam track (7) for the operating member (6), which is capable of guiding the movement of the member (6) under the action of an operator, so as to produce a movement at the level of the piece (4) resulting in a release of the lock in the upright position of the upright (1).