Container Latch Assembly for Reliable Lid Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional containers and latching systems are often not durable and can be difficult to use, with issues such as inadequate locking mechanisms and containers that may not hold items securely.
Innovation Solution
A container design featuring a base with a sidewall structure, a lid that pivots between open and closed configurations, and a latch assembly with a locking member, biasing member, and activating member, which ensures secure locking and easy operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a latch assembly with multiple components (locking member, biasing member, activating member) is used, then the reliability of the locking mechanism is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch assembly is divided into distinct functional components: a locking member with engaging protrusions, a biasing member (spring) that provides restoring force, and an activating member that controls engagement. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function reliably while maintaining overall system manageability.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing member automatically returns the locking member to its engaged position after activation, providing self-service functionality. The system uses the inherent elastic potential energy of the spring to restore the locking state without requiring additional power sources or complex control mechanisms.
2Strength
If the locking member has multiple engaging protrusions, then the strength of the lock is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking strength is enhanced by dividing the engagement interface into multiple discrete protrusions and corresponding recesses. This segmentation distributes the mechanical load across multiple contact points, increasing overall locking strength while allowing each individual protrusion to be manufactured with standard tolerances.
Solution Approach 2:
The engaging protrusions are positioned asymmetrically on the locking member, with varying distances from the pivot axis. This asymmetric arrangement creates natural alignment features that guide the mating components into proper orientation during assembly, reducing the need for high-precision manufacturing while ensuring strong engagement.
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 solution provides a durable and user-friendly container with a reliable locking mechanism, ensuring that items are securely held and the container is easy to open and close.
Implementation Method 1
The biasing member is engaged with the latch body and the locking member. The biasing member is configured to bias the locking member in the downward position.
Implementation Method 2
When the latch assembly is in the locked position, a lower surface of hook portion of the locking member may engage the upper surface of the latch keeper and an inward facing surface of the hook portion may engage the inner surface of the latch keeper.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A
AI summary
A container having a base and a lid is provided. The lid may be rotatable about a hinge from a closed configuration to an open configuration and may be secured, via one or more latching assemblies. The latching assembly may comprise a latch body, a locking member, a biasing member, and an activating member. Additional features of the container may include handles and strength increasing features. The base and lid may also feature attachment points for various accessories. A carry strap may attach to the base of the container to allow a user to lift and carry the container. The container may also have a wheels attached to the bottom portion and/or across the bottom portion to one side of the sidewall structure. In addition, in exemplary containers with wheels, a pull handle may be attached to a side opposite the wheels. The lid may include a lid support member that can act as a molle board to releasably secure items to the lid support member while also providing structural support to the lid.