Integrated Container Latch Assembly for Secure Closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional containers and latching systems are often not durable, difficult to use, and may not provide a secure lock, rendering them ineffective for holding certain items or maintaining a closed configuration.
Innovation Solution
A container design featuring a base and lid with a latch assembly that includes a pivotally connected lid, a latch body, a latch button, a latch-locking arm, and biasing members to ensure secure locking and easy operation, along with a divider and tray for enhanced functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional latching system with multiple separate components is used, then the latching mechanism can provide secure fastening, but the device complexity increases and the number of parts to be assembled increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple latching components into a single integrated latch assembly that includes the latch member, spring, and actuating mechanism as one unit. This integration maintains the secure fastening function while reducing the total number of separate parts that need to be assembled and managed in the container system.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch assembly is designed to perform multiple functions within a single component structure: it provides both the latching function to secure the container and the release function through the actuating mechanism. The integrated design allows one component to fulfill what previously required multiple separate elements.
2Reliability
If a traditional latching system with multiple separate components is used, then the latching mechanism can provide secure fastening, but the ease of assembly decreases due to more parts to assemble
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the latch member, spring, and actuating mechanism into a pre-assembled integrated unit, the number of assembly steps is reduced. The integrated latch assembly can be installed as a single component rather than requiring the assembly of multiple separate parts, thereby simplifying the manufacturing and installation process while maintaining latching security.
3Reliability
If the container is designed to be completely submersible, then the waterproofing is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional sealing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible gaskets and sealing membranes that can conform to the container surfaces and moving parts. These flexible sealing elements provide effective waterproofing for a submersible container while avoiding the need for complex rigid sealing structures, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
4Duration of action of moving object
If the container includes all necessary equipment for extended autonomous operation, then the duration of action is improved, but the weight of the moving object increases
Solution Approach 1:
The container is equipped with multi-functional devices that can perform multiple operations. For example, a single integrated system provides both propulsion and navigation functions, or a combined charging and power distribution unit. This multi-functionality allows extended autonomous operation without proportionally increasing weight, as one piece of equipment fulfills multiple operational needs.
Data Source
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AI summary
A container has a base with a lid that is rotatable about a hinge from a closed configuration to an open configuration. The lid may be secured to the base with a latch assembly. A latch assembly may have a locked position and an unlocked position, where the latch assembly includes: a latch body pivotally connected to the lid, a latch button slidably connected with the latch body, the latch button having a latch button-locking member, a latch-locking arm pivotally connected to the latch body, and a latch-locking arm biasing member that exerts a rotational force on the latch-locking arm. When the latch assembly is moved to the locked position, the latch-locking arm may engage the base and rotate against the rotational force from the latch-locking arm causing the latch button to move against the linear force until the latch button-locking member engages the arm-locking member.