Container Connector Assembly With Releasable Locking Members
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container connection systems are inefficient for securely attaching multiple containers together, often requiring time-consuming methods like stacking or using belts, and magnets provide inadequate strength or require excessive force for detachment.
Innovation Solution
A connector assembly with male and female components that utilize locking members movable between retracted and extended positions, facilitated by retractors and extenders, allowing quick and secure attachment and detachment through a biasing mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If magnets are used to fasten two containers together, then the attachment process becomes quick and simple, but the magnetic force is either too weak to support heavy containers or too strong requiring excessive force for detachment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from magnetic attachment to mechanical attachment using locking members that can be moved between engaged and disengaged positions. This changes the fundamental parameter of attachment mechanism from magnetic force to mechanical interlocking, allowing for controlled engagement and disengagement without the force limitations of magnets.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking members are designed to be movable between different positions (engaged and disengaged) rather than being static. This dynamic capability allows the connection system to transition from a permanently locked state to a easily releasable state, solving the contradiction between strong attachment and easy detachment.
2Strength
If belts are used to bind containers together, then the containers can be securely attached, but the process takes time to fasten and unfasten
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into separate male and female connector components with corresponding locking members. This segmentation allows for quick engagement by simply aligning and inserting the connectors, eliminating the time-consuming process of wrapping and fastening belts while maintaining secure attachment through the locking mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking members are pre-positioned within the connector housings in a ready state. When the male and female connectors are brought together, the locking members are already in position to engage with the corresponding features, eliminating the need for manual adjustment or complex fastening operations required by belts.
3Ease of operation
If containers are stacked together, then they can be carried with one hand, but they become vulnerable to falling over when disturbed
Solution Approach 1:
The locking members engage with corresponding features in the opposing connector at an angle, creating a mechanical interlock that resists lateral forces and rotational movement. This angular engagement provides inherent stability to the stacked configuration, preventing the containers from easily toppling over while maintaining ease of carrying.
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
Enables rapid, secure connection and disconnection of containers, maintaining stability even with heavy loads and changing orientations, without the need for belts or excessive force.
Implementation Method 1
at least one locking member extender biasing the at least one locking member toward the extended position
Implementation Method 2
moving each locking member retractor to a position that reduces a biasing force of each locking member retractor on each locking member
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A connector assembly for releasably connecting a first container to a second container, using male connector(s) and corresponding female connector(s) attached to each container, each female connector having a recess for receiving a portion of a male connector. The connectors transition to a releasably locked state by moving a locking member retractor to a position that reduces a biasing force of the locking member retractor on a locking member and thereby allows a biasing force of a locking member extender to move the locking member to an extended position against an engaging surface to releasably lock connectors. The connectors transition to an unlocked state by moving the locking member retractor to move the at least one locking member to the retracted position away from the engaging surface to disengage connectors.