Container Coupling Assembly for Adjustable Open-Hold Sealing
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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 containers are designed to carry sensitive equipment, and the existing solutions for coupling gas cylinder actuators compromise sealing integrity and are not easily adaptable or adjustable.
Innovation Solution
A coupling assembly that includes inserts and a slider with a profiled element, allowing for flexible positioning and anchoring of the safety device, enabling versatile and adjustable coupling to the shell portions without compromising the container's sealing integrity, using existing seats or creating new ones as needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If gas cylinder actuators are coupled to shell portions using traditional methods (screws, nails, or inserts in pockets), then the safety device can contrast accidental closure and facilitate opening, but the sealing integrity of the container is compromised due to holes in the shell portions or complex insert structures
Solution Approach 1:
A coupling assembly acts as an intermediary component between the gas cylinder actuator and the shell portion. This assembly includes a first element that couples to the actuator and a second element that couples to the shell portion, allowing the actuator to be mounted without direct attachment to the shell, thus preserving sealing integrity while enabling functional coupling.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling assembly is divided into multiple separate elements: a first element for actuator coupling and a second element for shell portion coupling. This segmentation allows each element to be optimized for its specific function - the first element can have holes for actuator attachment while the second element interfaces with the shell portion without compromising its sealing surface.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed pockets are provided in shell portions for actuator coupling, then the actuator can be mounted, but the positioning and adjustment of the actuator are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling assembly introduces dynamic adjustability to the actuator mounting system. The first element can be positioned at different locations along the shell portion wall, and the second element can be adjusted relative to the first, allowing the actuator to be mounted in various positions and orientations without requiring multiple fixed pockets or complex reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling assembly serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the actuator, enables adjustable positioning, maintains sealing integrity, and facilitates easy installation and removal. This multi-functionality replaces the need for dedicated fixed pockets, as the coupling assembly can be adapted to various mounting requirements using the same basic structure.
3Strength
If the container is designed to carry heavy equipment, then the shell portions must be rigid and strong, but the weight and dimensions of the container increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling assembly segments the load-bearing functions from the sealing functions. The shell portion maintains its structural integrity for carrying heavy equipment, while the coupling assembly provides the necessary attachment points for the actuator without requiring additional reinforcement or thickening of the shell walls, thus avoiding increased weight.
Data Source
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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 (2a) and a second shell portion (2b) which are mutually articulated and can move between a configuration for closing an internal compartment (4) and at least one open configuration for free access to the compartment (4); a safety device (5) is coupled to the shell portions (2a, 2b); the container also comprises an assembly (100) for coupling the device (5) to at least the first shell portion (2a); the assembly (100) is provided with: at least two inserts (101) which are stably inserted in respective seats (6) a slider (102) coupled to the device (5), a profiled element (103) which is rigidly supported by the inserts (101) and forms a guiding track (104) for the slider (102), means (105) for the rigid anchoring of the slider (102) to the profiled element (103).