Automatic Cargo Container Lock via Foot Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automatic locks for cargo containers require manual installation and removal, and their operation is inconsistent due to reliance on friction forces, leading to increased time and cost during loading and unloading.
Innovation Solution
An automatic lock system that includes a corner fitting mechanism with a rack and linkages, where the foot of the lock contacts the upper surface of a lower container, causing upward movement and actuation of the rack to lock or unlock, eliminating the need for manual intervention and ensuring consistent operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If automatic locks are manually installed and removed from corner fittings, then locking/unlocking automation is achieved, but additional time and cost are incurred during loading/unloading
Solution Approach 1:
The lock device is pre-installed on the container before deployment, eliminating the need for manual installation during loading/unloading operations. The foot member is positioned in advance to engage with the lower container surface, ready to automatically actuate the locking mechanism when the container is stacked.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock device automatically actuates through the engagement of its foot member with the lower container surface during stacking. The system serves itself by using the stacking action to trigger the locking mechanism without requiring external manual intervention for either installation or operation.
2Extent of automation
If automatic locks rely on friction force overcoming to release during hoisting, then automatic unlocking is achieved, but inconsistent results occur due to tolerances, wear and abuse
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the friction-based release mechanism with a positive mechanical engagement system. The foot member makes direct surface contact with the lower container, and this contact directly actuates the locking mechanism through linkages, eliminating reliance on friction force variations caused by wear and tolerances.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism automatically actuates through the stacking action itself. When the container is lowered onto the lower container, the foot member contacts the lower container surface and this contact force is transmitted through linkages to the rack and corner fitting mechanism, causing automatic locking without requiring external actuation or friction-based release.
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 system allows for automatic interconnection and disconnection of stacked containers without relying on friction forces, reducing the time and cost associated with loading and unloading by being affixed to the container, ensuring reliable and efficient operation.
Implementation Method 1
The second linkage is spring-loaded
Implementation Method 2
The lower cone is sized and located to releasably engage an adjacent corner fitting
Data Source
AI summary
An automatic lock affixed to a cargo container for interconnecting two stacked containers, and for automatically locking and unlocking without reliance upon the overcoming of a friction force to release the device.