Cargo Container Locking Pin Cam Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automatic locks for interlocking stacked cargo containers require manual installation and removal, and their performance is inconsistent due to factors like tolerances and wear in corner fittings, relying on friction force release which can lead to unreliable locking and unlocking.
Innovation Solution
An automatic lock system with a pin assembly and receiver assembly in each corner fitting, featuring slidable locking pins and pivotably-mounted cam followers, ensuring secure engagement and consistent locking/unlocking without manual intervention, and affixed to the container to eliminate installation/removal during loading/unloading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If automatic locks are designed to release once a predetermined friction force is overcome during hoisting, then automatic unlocking is achieved, but inconsistent results occur due to tolerances, wear and abuse of corner fittings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of force detection from friction-based to cam-based mechanical advantage. The cam mechanism transforms the vertical hoisting motion into horizontal cam follower movement, which then actuates the locking/unlocking action through lever arms. This parameter change eliminates reliance on friction force thresholds that vary with wear and tolerances.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the friction-based release mechanism with a cam-based mechanical advantage system. The cam profile is specifically designed to provide a predetermined mechanical advantage that reliably actuates the locking/unlocking action regardless of corner fitting condition, replacing the unreliable friction-based detection method.
2Extent of automation
If fully automatic locks are used, then automatic locking and unlocking is achieved, but manual installation and removal is still required, resulting in additional time and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by making the lock system self-installing and self-removing. The lock body is designed to be received in the corner fitting and automatically engage the locking mechanism when the upper container is lowered onto the lower container. The system serves itself by using the hoisting motion to automatically activate the cam mechanism for locking, and the reverse motion for unlocking, eliminating the need for manual installation and removal operations.
3Extent of automation
If friction force release is used for automatic unlocking, then automatic operation is achieved, but the system is adversely affected by tolerances, wear and abuse of corner fittings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cam mechanism as an intermediary between the hoisting motion and the locking/unlocking action. The cam profile acts as a mediator that converts vertical motion into horizontal cam follower displacement, which then actuates the locking mechanism through lever arms. This intermediary isolates the locking system from the harmful effects of corner fitting wear and tolerances that directly affect friction-based systems.
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 provides reliable and consistent interconnection of stacked containers, unaffected by tolerances and wear, eliminating the need for manual installation/removal and ensuring efficient loading/unloading operations.
Implementation Method 1
many prior art automatic devices are designed to release once a predetermined friction force is overcome during hoisting of the container
Implementation Method 2
each engagement surface in the other of the pairs includes a follower-receiving catch. In a further embodiment, the first pair of engagement surfaces are formed by a pair of catches located on opposing sides of the pin, and the second pair of engagement surfaces are formed by a pair of opposing pivotably-mounted cam followers
Implementation Method 3
The pivotably-mounted cam followers are biased to the closed position
Data Source
AI summary
An automatic lock for interconnecting cargo containers. The lock includes a pin assembly located in, and extending from, each of the bottom corner fittings of the container. The lock further includes a receiver assembly located in each of the top corner fittings of the container for engaging the pin assembly, thereby securing the upper container to said lower container.