Cargo Container Latch Device with Automatic Spring Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cargo container securement devices are complex and difficult to work with, particularly when changing or replacing springs, and often require intricate spring mounting and seating arrangements.
Innovation Solution
A latch device with a housing featuring camming surfaces and a latch mechanism that extends outwardly to engage cargo container corner castings, utilizing a simple and efficient spring mounting system without a latch pivot, providing automatic securement and release of cargo containers to a vehicle deck or each other.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing cargo container securement devices use intricate spring mounting and seating arrangements, then the latch mechanism can provide securement force, but the device complexity increases and maintenance becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is divided into distinct functional components: a body portion housing the spring assembly, and a movable latch portion that engages with the container. This segmentation allows the spring mounting arrangement to be simplified and isolated within the body portion, making maintenance easier while maintaining securement reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mounting and seating arrangements are extracted and integrated into the body portion as a self-contained unit. This extraction simplifies the overall device by consolidating the complex spring mechanism within a dedicated housing, reducing the number of external components and easing maintenance requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing securement devices have complex mechanisms, then they can accommodate various load conditions, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is designed with a universal body portion that can accommodate different spring configurations and latch portions for various loading conditions. The standardized interface between components allows the same basic structure to handle diverse container weights and dimensions, improving ease of operation while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch portion is designed to move dynamically between engaged and disengaged positions, automatically adapting to different container positions and load conditions. This dynamic movement simplifies operation as the mechanism self-adjusts rather than requiring manual configuration for different loading scenarios.
3Reliability
If existing devices require intricate mechanisms for spring replacement, then the latch can maintain engagement, but the ease of repair deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The spring assembly is segmented and housed within the body portion, allowing the spring to be accessed and replaced independently of the latch portion. This segmentation enables maintenance personnel to service the spring mechanism without disassembling the entire latch assembly, significantly improving ease of repair while maintaining engagement reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mounting arrangement is extracted as a separate serviceable unit within the body portion, allowing the spring to be removed and replaced through a simplified access point. This extraction design enables quick spring replacement without affecting the latch engagement mechanism, improving both repairability and reliability.
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 solution offers a strong, efficient, and easy-to-use mechanism for securing and releasing cargo containers, with visual indication of the latch position, reducing the complexity and maintenance challenges of previous systems.
Implementation Method 1
a spring of the presently disclosed latch device moves through required motions and imparts required loads and resistance to forces
Implementation Method 2
The instant invention departs from the prior art in that it eliminates the complexity of the mechanisms otherwise presented by the prior art, and provides a mechanism of superior functionality. The latch device of the present invention achieves these objectives by way of a housing with several camming surfaces
Data Source
AI summary
An improved cargo container securement device includes a housing defined by a base which forms a planar surfacing thereabout on which cargo container corner fittings rest in applied relation on the container relative to the supporting structure or platform involved. The container securement device includes a flanged end which engages a cargo container corner casting aperture opening or an appropriate aperture and utilizes the structure for retention of the securement device so the opposite side of the hold down device is allowed to automatically engage and disengage with a cargo container corner fitting as necessary to achieve proper handling and transport of cargo containers. The hold down device includes an indicator to visually signal that the automatic hold down feature of the device is engaged or disengaged with a cargo container corner fitting of cargo containers.