Portable Container Coupling Assembly for Adjustable Open-Hold Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable containers face challenges in maintaining an open configuration against accidental closure, especially in professional applications where the need for sealing and secure transport of sensitive equipment is critical, and current solutions for coupling gas cylinder actuators are impractical and limited in adaptability.
Innovation Solution
A coupling assembly for portable containers that includes inserts and a slider system, allowing for flexible positioning and anchoring of a safety device, such as a gas cylinder actuator, to prevent accidental closure, while maintaining the container's integrity and sealing capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If gas cylinder actuators are coupled to shell portions using traditional fixing methods, then the open configuration can be maintained against accidental closure, but the sealing integrity of the container is compromised due to holes required in the shell portions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary coupling assembly consisting of a body and a slider that mediates between the gas cylinder actuator and the shell portion. The body is fixed to the shell portion without requiring holes through the shell, while the slider provides the coupling point for the actuator. This intermediary structure allows the actuator to be coupled to the container while preserving the sealing integrity of the shell portions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed coupling points are used for the actuator, then the structure is simple, but the adaptability and adjustability of force and lever arm parameters are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic coupling mechanism where the slider can move along guideways on the body, allowing the coupling point for the actuator to be repositioned. This dynamic element enables adjustment of the lever arm length and force parameters while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure. The slider's movement along predefined guideways provides adaptability without requiring complex mechanisms.
3Strength
If the container is designed for heavy-duty professional use with rigid shell portions, then the strength and impact resistance are improved, but the weight and dimensions of the container increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the coupling function into separate components: a body that attaches to the shell portion and a slider that couples to the actuator. This segmentation allows the use of rigid, strong materials for the shell portions to ensure impact resistance, while the coupling assembly uses lighter materials and a more compact design. The separated structure optimizes the weight-strength ratio by allowing each component to be designed for its specific function.
Data Source
AI summary
A portable container, of the type of a suitcase, a trunk, a crate, a trolley, and the like, comprising a first shell portion and a second shell portion which are mutually articulated and can move between a configuration for closing an internal compartment and at least one open configuration for free access to the compartment; a safety device is coupled to the shell portions; the container also comprises an assembly for coupling the device to at least the first shell portion; the assembly is provided with: at least two inserts which are stably inserted in respective seats a slider, coupled to the device, a profiled element which is rigidly supported by the inserts and forms a guiding track for the slider, means for the rigid anchoring of the slider to the profiled element.