Collapsible Container Spring-Lock Side Wall Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing collapsible containers lack a reliable mechanism to securely maintain side walls in an upright position, which is crucial for stacking and preventing unauthorized access, as they often rely on simple ramps or snaps that may not adequately support weight or prevent tampering.
Innovation Solution
A spring-locking device is integrated into the end panel of the collapsible container, featuring a one-piece design with angled surfaces and deflectable spring extensions that securely engage with the main frame when the container is erected, allowing for easy release and collapse.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If simple ramps or snaps are used to secure side walls, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability of securing side walls in upright position deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The securing mechanism is divided into distinct functional elements: a ramp portion for initial engagement, a snap portion for secondary retention, and a locking portion with latch opening for final securement. This segmentation allows each element to perform its specific function optimally, achieving reliable side wall retention while maintaining reasonable device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring lock insert acts as an intermediary element between the side wall and the main frame. It mediates the transition from the ramp/snaps to the final locked position, providing a reliable securing mechanism that progresses through defined stages of engagement.
2Reliability
If additional parts are added to provide sliding latch, then reliability of side wall retention is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple securing functions (ramp engagement, snap retention, and latch locking) are merged into a single integrated spring lock insert. This one-piece design combines what would traditionally require multiple separate parts, improving reliability while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring lock insert serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the ramp for initial engagement, the snap for secondary retention, and the locking mechanism with latch opening for final securement. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate parts while maintaining high reliability.
3Reliability
If spring-locking device is integrated into end panel, then reliability of side wall securing is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The spring lock insert is pre-formed as a one-piece integrated component with all securing features (ramp, snap, locking portions) already configured. This preliminary formation simplifies the assembly process, as the insert requires only insertion into the end panel rather than multiple assembly steps, thereby improving ease of manufacture despite the enhanced reliability it provides.
4Reliability
If lock portion extends beyond end edge, then reliability of locking engagement is improved, but ease of operation for collapse deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The spring lock insert is designed to automatically engage with the latch opening when the side wall is in the opened position, providing self-service locking without requiring additional manual intervention. For collapse, the user simply needs to press the finger grip, and the spring mechanism automatically disengages the lock portion from the latch opening, maintaining ease of operation despite the secure locking engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring lock insert utilizes elastic deformation of the spring extensions to enable easy release. When the finger grip is pressed, the spring extensions deflect, changing the position of the lock portion from engaged to disengaged state. This parameter change (position of lock portion) allows reliable locking during normal operation while enabling easy release when needed.
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 spring-locking mechanism provides secure engagement of side walls, ensuring the container can support stacked weights and prevent unauthorized access, while allowing for easy disengagement for collapse, enhancing both stability and security.
Implementation Method 1
the spring extensions are preferably deflectable inward to enable the spring lock insert to be displaced downward away from the lock position
Implementation Method 2
a spring lock insert secured in a slot in the pivotable side wall and biased toward a lock position
Data Source
AI summary
A collapsible container includes a main frame and at least one pivotable side wall that is pivotable between a collapsed position and an opened position. The pivotable side wall is provided with a spring lock insert secured therein and biased toward a lock position in which a lock portion of the spring lock insert extends beyond an end edge of the pivotable side wall. The main frame includes a latch opening that receives the spring lock insert when the pivotable side wall is in the opened position.