Cart Mounting Channel and Slam Latch for Fast Securement

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cart securement methods, such as using E-track straps, are problematic for securing carts to support surfaces like truck walls, as they are inconvenient and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A mounting and latching arrangement featuring elongated mounting channels with bracket assemblies and latch assemblies that allow for secure engagement and disengagement of carts relative to a support surface, using lead-in guide elements and slam latch brackets for locking and unlocking, and a release mechanism for easy disengagement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If E-track straps are used to secure carts, then carts can be secured to support surfaces, but the process is inconvenient and inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of cart securementVSAvoidtime required for securement

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The cart's own base frame and side members are utilized as the securing mechanism through integrated latch assemblies, eliminating the need for external straps. The cart secures itself to the mounting channel through its structural components, making the system self-serving and eliminating manual strap application

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting channel and latch assembly system serves multiple functions: it provides securement, guiding, and positioning of the cart simultaneously. The lead-in guide elements and slam latch brackets perform multiple operations in a single integrated structure, reducing the need for separate securing components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If mounting bracket assemblies are secured to support surfaces, then carts can be locked relative to the support surface, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity of cart lockingVSAvoidcomplexity of mounting arrangement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting system is divided into separate functional modules: mounting bracket assemblies for attachment to support surfaces, elongated mounting channels providing the securing path, and latch assemblies on the cart. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies installation and maintenance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of securing the cart with external straps from the outside, the system uses the cart's own structural members (base frame and side members) as the active securing elements that engage with the mounting channel. The cart's structure becomes the locking mechanism rather than a passive object being strapped

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentUS10092098B2Mounting and latching arrangements for securing carts

Publication Date: 2018.10.09 CANNON EQUIPMENT CO

AI summary

A mounting and latching arrangement is provided for locking and unlocking a cart relative to a support structure. The mounting and latching arrangement includes an elongated mounting channel having opposed ends configured with mounting bracket assemblies adapted to be secured to the support surface, and one of engagement structure and latching structure located between the mounting bracket assemblies and configured for selective engagement and disengagement with the cart for enabling locking and unlocking thereof relative to the elongated mounting channel.