Collapsible Storage Container Spring-Return Latching Lug
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing collapsible storage containers face issues with complex and fault-prone locking mechanisms that are susceptible to unintentional unlocking, leading to instability and difficulty in maintaining the erected state during transportation and storage.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible storage container design featuring a spring-return elastic latching lug on the side wall, which engages with a locking cam, allowing for easy erection and quick unlocking through rotational movement, minimizing friction and simplifying the mechanism by requiring only one component for movement, the bolt axis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking mechanism with multiple components is used to secure the erected state, then the reliability of preventing unintentional unlocking improves, but the device complexity and susceptibility to faults increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into two functional parts: a locking cam that provides the locking action and a spring-return elastic latching lug that provides the counter-locking action. This segmentation allows each component to be simple while together they provide reliable locking without requiring multiple complex components.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-return elastic latching lug automatically returns to its latching position after being displaced, providing self-service functionality. This eliminates the need for additional components to maintain the locked state, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliability.
2Ease of operation
If a translational locking mechanism is used, then the locking action is straightforward, but the friction forces increase making the mechanism stiff
Solution Approach 1:
The locking cam uses a curved surface that engages with the latching lug. This curved geometry converts the unlocking motion into a rotational movement that slides along the curve, minimizing friction compared to direct translational movement while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism transitions from a static translational lock to a dynamic rotational cam mechanism. The cam's rotational movement allows the locking and unlocking actions to occur with reduced friction, improving ease of operation while maintaining secure locking.
3Productivity
If the locking mechanism requires actuation to reach the locked position, then control is precise, but the time required for erection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-return elastic latching lug is pre-positioned to automatically engage with the locking cam when the side wall reaches its vertical position. This preliminary positioning eliminates the need for additional actuation to reach the locked state, speeding up erection while maintaining control through the cam's geometric constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism performs the locking action automatically through the spring-return latching lug engaging the cam. This self-service locking occurs as a natural consequence of the side wall being erected, increasing productivity without sacrificing control precision.
4Ease of manufacture
If a simple locking mechanism is used to reduce complexity, then the ease of manufacture improves, but the risk of unintentional unlocking increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-return elastic latching lug acts as an intermediary between the locking cam and the side wall. This intermediate component provides a reliable mechanical connection that prevents unintentional unlocking while keeping the overall mechanism simple and easy to manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam's curved surface geometry provides inherent mechanical advantage and geometric constraint that prevents unintentional unlocking. The curved profile ensures that only deliberate rotational movement can disengage the lock, maintaining reliability while keeping the mechanism simple.
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 design ensures the container can be easily and quickly erected without actuating the locking mechanism, preventing unintentional folding and reducing the risk of accidental collapse, while maintaining a secure locked position.
Implementation Method 1
the counter-locking element is designed as a spring-return elastic latching lug formed on the side wall
Data Source
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AI summary
The container (10) has a locking member arranged on a parallel-aligned locking axle and including a geometric axis, where the locking member is formed as a closure pin (26). The closure pin is arranged on an outer periphery of a supporting axle (24), and exhibits a sectional part of a cylindrical body that is arranged in the supporting axle. An insulated locking member is formed opposite to a side wall (15) and designed as a spring returned latching tag (29) which is engaged behind the closure pin in a locking position.