Container Cover Locking Mechanism with Segmented Automatic and Manual Locks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large containers with volumes above 800L face challenges in securing the cover during transportation and storage, with existing tilting prevention devices being ineffective due to recessing under pressure and manual locks being prone to damage and cumbersome operation.
Innovation Solution
The container design incorporates automatic locks on two opposite sides and manual locks on the other two sides, arranged in a polygon or hexagonal shape to enhance locking strength and convenience, with a tilting prevention device positioned on the side of the cover to prevent tilting and deformation, and manual locks integrated with bosses for enhanced functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual locks are provided on the cover, then locking function is achieved, but operation becomes cumbersome and locks are prone to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is segmented into automatic locks (providing reliable locking) and manual locks (providing operational control). The automatic locks handle the heavy locking task while manual locks provide user control, dividing the functional burden to achieve both reliability and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual locks serve multiple functions: they can manually engage the locking mechanism and also serve as tilting prevention devices when positioned on the side edges of the cover. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall locking system.
2Reliability
If tilting prevention device is located in the middle area of the cover, then tilting prevention is provided, but device detaches under pressure invalidating the prevention effect
Solution Approach 1:
The tilting prevention devices (manual locks) are positioned asymmetrically on the side edges of the cover rather than in the middle area. This positioning allows them to effectively prevent tilting by engaging with corresponding structures on the container body, while the side location avoids the recessing problem that occurs in the middle area under stacking pressure.
3Reliability
If multiple manual locks are provided on each side, then locking effect is enhanced, but operation becomes very cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system is segmented into automatic locks that provide the primary locking effect and manual locks that provide auxiliary locking and tilting prevention. This segmentation allows achieving strong locking effect with fewer manual operations required.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual locks positioned on the side edges serve dual purposes: they assist in locking the cover and simultaneously function as tilting prevention devices. This multi-functionality enhances locking effect without requiring additional separate tilting prevention components.
4Reliability
If tilting prevention device is positioned on the side edge, then tilting prevention is maintained under pressure, but positioning precision is required
Solution Approach 1:
The manual locks are designed to serve as both locking mechanisms and tilting prevention devices. By integrating these functions into a single component positioned on the side edges, the design maintains tilting prevention effectiveness under load while using the same structural elements for both purposes, reducing the need for separate precision-positioned components.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a
AI summary
A container (10) comprises a base (41), side panels (40) and a cover (30). The side panels (40) are connected to the base (41). The cover (30) is locked onto the tops of the side panels (40) through a locking device. The locking device comprises automatic locks (50) and manual locks (60). The automatic locks (50) are arranged on two opposite sides of the cover (30), and the manual locks (60) are arranged on the other two sides of the cover. The automatic locks (50) and the manual locks (60) are both adopted on the cover (30) and used in cooperation with a tilting-pre-vention device, thus the container (10) has the tilting-pre-vention effect, the stacking and supporting effect, and the locking and unlocking guiding and return guiding effect. The locking strength is increased, and the convenience in locking operation and unlocking operation is improved.