Collapsible Container Bracket With Detent And Pin
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Solution Overview
Problem
Collapsible containers used in the shipping industry face challenges in securely assembling and disassembling panels to maintain cargo integrity and efficient storage, as existing solutions lack effective mechanisms for preventing panel movement and easy reconfiguration.
Innovation Solution
The use of a bracket system with detents and pins that removably couple panels, allowing for secure assembly and disassembly by engaging and decoupling through a selective depression mechanism, thereby preventing movement of panels relative to each other and facilitating easy storage when disassembled.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If panels are securely assembled to maintain cargo integrity, then container strength is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for brackets, detents, and pins
Solution Approach 1:
The container is divided into separate panels that can be independently assembled and disassembled. Each panel can be securely connected to others through brackets, detents, and pins when needed, and separated when not needed, allowing the container to transition between a secure assembled state and a simple disassembled state.
Solution Approach 2:
The container structure transitions from a static fixed design to a dynamic reconfigurable system. Panels can be dynamically assembled and disassembled based on operational needs, with the bracket-detent-pin mechanism enabling secure connection during transport and easy separation during storage or reconfiguration.
2Ease of operation
If panels are easily disassembled for storage, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to potential panel movement or detachment
Solution Approach 1:
The detent mechanism automatically engages with the pin when the bracket is positioned on the panel, providing self-locking functionality. The spring-loaded detent automatically secures the connection without requiring additional fastening steps, ensuring reliable panel attachment while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded detent is pre-configured to automatically engage and secure the pin before the container is subjected to transport stresses. This beforehand engagement ensures that the panel connection is reliably established in advance, preventing accidental detachment during use.
3Loss of substance
If containers are made reusable to reduce waste, then loss of substance is reduced, but manufacturing precision must increase to ensure proper bracket and detent alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket, detent, and pin components are designed as universal, standardized elements that can be repeatedly used across multiple container assemblies. These reusable components feature standardized dimensions and engagement mechanisms that maintain consistent alignment across different containers and assembly cycles, reducing the need for high-precision custom manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The detent mechanism incorporates a spring element that allows for parameter adjustment in the engagement force and tolerance ranges. This flexibility accommodates variations in manufacturing tolerances while maintaining reliable connection, reducing the stringency of manufacturing precision requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A container includes a first panel with a detent and a pin extending therefrom, a second panel that extends transverse to the first panel, and a bracket removably coupled to the first panel via engagement with the detent and the pin such that the bracket prevents movement of the second panel relative to the first panel. The detent is selectively depressed to thereby decouple the bracket from the first panel.