Cargo Locking Assembly with Spring-Biased Latch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cargo securement systems lack effective mechanisms for securely tensioning and locking chains, leading to potential cargo movement during transport.
Innovation Solution
A locking assembly with a frame, handle, and latch system that includes a slot and recess configuration, along with a tensioning system featuring a rotatable handle and spring-biased pins to securely engage the chain, preventing movement and maintaining tension.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a simple chain tensioning system is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of cargo securement deteriorates due to lack of effective locking mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The locking assembly is divided into distinct functional segments: a handle assembly for tensioning, a latch mechanism for locking, and a frame structure for support. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall system reliability without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-biased latch mechanism automatically engages with the chain when the handle is rotated into the locked position, providing self-locking functionality. The spring automatically pushes the latch into engagement, eliminating the need for additional locking actions or complex control systems, thus improving reliability without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Force
If a rotatable handle with latch mechanism is implemented, then the chain tensioning capability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to multiple steps required
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is designed to rotate dynamically between three distinct positions: open (for tensioning), intermediate (transition), and closed (locked). This dynamic rotation allows the user to apply tension by simply rotating the handle, with the latch mechanism automatically engaging at the closed position, converting a potentially complex multi-step operation into a simple rotational motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual locking action is replaced by a spring-biased mechanical latch system that automatically engages when the handle reaches the closed position. This substitution eliminates the need for manual locking operations, reducing the ease of operation complexity while maintaining strong chain tensioning capability.
3Reliability
If a spring-biased latch system is used, then the locking reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is merged with the handle assembly, where the latch is positioned on the handle and rotates together with it. The spring bias is integrated into this combined structure, allowing the latch to automatically engage or disengage based on the handle's rotational position. This merging reduces overall system complexity compared to having separate locking and handling mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring acts as an intermediary element between the latch and the frame, providing the necessary biasing force to ensure reliable engagement. This simple mechanical intermediary enables reliable locking without requiring complex control systems or multiple components, as the spring automatically adjusts to maintain proper latch engagement.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the handle is positioned in the slot on top of the chain, then the chain movement is prevented, but the device complexity increases due to precise positioning requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The slot is pre-configured in the frame structure to guide and receive the handle when rotated to the closed position. This preliminary structural arrangement ensures that when the user rotates the handle, it automatically positions itself correctly in the slot on top of the chain, preventing cargo movement without requiring complex active positioning controls or sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle-latch assembly automatically positions itself within the slot through its own rotational motion and the spring bias of the latch mechanism. The geometric constraints of the slot and recess guide the handle into the correct position, eliminating the need for external positioning mechanisms or complex control systems to achieve stable cargo positioning.
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 effectively secures cargo by preventing chain movement and maintaining tension, enhancing safety and reliability during transportation.
Implementation Method 1
The latch includes a pin extending laterally outward from the latch and a spring. The spring biases the latch into the locked position.
Data Source
AI summary
A locking assembly is provided including a frame. The frame includes a slot and a recess positioned at a top portion of the frame. The assembly further includes a handle rotatably coupled to an end of the frame that is opposite the slot. The handle is rotatable between an open position and a closed position. The slot is configured to receive an attachment means. When the attachment means is in the slot and the handle is in the closed position, the handle is positioned in the slot on top of the attachment means such that the attachment means is prevented from moving with respect to the frame. A latch may be mounted to the handle. The latch is slidable between a locked position where a pin extending from the latch engages the recess of the frame and an unlocked position where the pin is positioned outside the recess.