Collapsible Container Spring Clip Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Collapsible storage and transport containers with hinged side walls lack effective locking mechanisms to prevent unauthorized access, despite having lids for securing sensitive goods.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible container design featuring spring clip locking bolts with snap elements and oval handles, allowing side walls to be securely locked from the inside, preventing external manipulation and easy assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to prevent unauthorized access, then security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to be automatically engaged when side walls are folded into the upright position. The locking bolts on opposite side walls automatically latch onto the locking lugs of adjacent side walls through spring force, eliminating the need for manual locking operations while providing reliable security against unauthorized access.
Solution Approach 2:
Spring clips act as intermediary elements that mediate between the locking bolts and locking lugs. The spring clips provide the necessary elastic force to automatically engage the locking bolts with the locking lugs when side walls are assembled, simplifying the overall locking mechanism while ensuring reliable engagement.
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to secure side walls, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking bolts are integrated directly into the side wall structures as integral components rather than separate parts. The spring clips are molded onto the locking bolts in one piece. This merging of components reduces the number of separate parts that need to be manufactured and assembled, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining reliable locking functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring clips automatically engage the locking bolts with the locking lugs through elastic force, eliminating the need for additional actuators, motors, or complex mechanical assemblies. This self-actuating mechanism significantly reduces manufacturing costs compared to powered or manually-operated locking systems.
3Ease of manufacture
If locking bolts are integrated into side walls, then assembly is simplified, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spring clips are designed with specific elastic parameters that allow them to deform and snap into place during assembly. The spring force and snap-action characteristics are engineered to provide a clear engagement feel and audible click, making assembly verification simple while accommodating normal variations in manufacturing tolerances of the thermoplastic materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism uses simple thermoplastic components that can be easily molded and integrated into the side walls. These components are designed to be replaced if damaged, and their simple geometry allows for cost-effective manufacturing with standard molding processes, reducing the impact of precision requirements on overall cost.
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 locking mechanism ensures the side walls cannot be opened from the outside, providing enhanced security and ease of assembly, reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining the collapsible and stable structure.
Implementation Method 1
When a first side wall 2 is folded up, its spring clip 6 is pushed up by the locking lug of a second side wall running onto the locking lug 3 against the spring force of the spring clip 6 and with the build-up of restoring forces. In the upright position, due to the spring force of the spring clip 6, the locking lug 3 of the first side wall 2 snaps in behind the locking lug of the second side wall
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a plastic collapsible storage and transport container comprising a bottom part and four foldable lateral walls arranged in an articulated manner on the container bottom, of which two opposing first lateral walls (2) can be detachably engaged with the other two opposing second lateral walls (4) in the corner regions (6) by means of catch bolts (1). The catch bolts (1) are embodied as spring clips (6) and have an end (4) which is connected to the first lateral wall (2) of the container in a fixed manner. A bolt projection (3) is formed on the free end (3) of the spring clip (6), said bolt projection being used to engage in an engagement projection arranged on the second lateral wall. The spring clips (6) are arranged in a recess (15) of the first lateral wall (2) in such a way that the free end (3) of the spring clip (6) with the bolt projection (3) formed thereon can be moved in the plane of the first lateral wall (2), against the elastic force of the spring clip (6). The spring clip (6) comprises a grip part (5) in the central region between the end (4) connected to the lateral wall (2) in a fixed manner, and the free end (3). The upper corner regions of the first lateral walls (2) are double-walled, the inner lateral surfaces (2a) and the outer lateral surfaces (2b) of the double-walled sections forming the recesses (15) for receiving the spring clips (6). The outer lateral walls (2b) of the double-walled sections have a closed surface (14). The inner lateral surfaces (2a) of the first lateral walls (2) have a grip hole (12) in the region of the double-walled sections in such a way that the grip part (5) of each spring element (6) can only be actuated from the inner side of the container and can only be moved in a limited manner.