Stacked Container Latch Mechanism for Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing containers lack stability when stacked, leading to potential instability and risk of collapse during transportation and storage.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates staggered latches on the side faces of the container, which engage with adjacent containers, along with horseshoe-shaped supports interacting with a metal strip and optional circular belts or plastic handles for lifting, enhancing the structural integrity of the stack.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If containers are stacked without special fastening mechanisms, then the stacking process is simple and quick, but the stability of the stacked containers is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening system is segmented into multiple independent latches distributed around the container perimeter. Each latch operates independently to engage with adjacent containers, providing distributed stability without requiring a single complex fastening mechanism. The latches are positioned at multiple locations (front, rear, and side faces) to create a distributed fastening network that stabilizes the stack through multiple connection points.
Solution Approach 2:
The latches are arranged in a horizontal plane around the container, transitioning from a single-point fastening approach to a multi-dimensional distributed fastening system. This spatial arrangement creates a three-dimensional fastening network that engages containers at multiple levels and orientations, significantly improving stack stability while maintaining operational simplicity through the modular nature of individual latch units.
2Reliability
If latches are arranged to engage with adjacent containers, then stack stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is designed as a universal component that performs multiple functions: it engages with adjacent containers to stabilize the stack, provides a standardized interface for container connection, and can be independently operated at each position. The standardized latch design allows the same mechanism to be used at all positions (front, rear, sides) without requiring position-specific variations, thereby improving reliability while controlling complexity through standardization.
Solution Approach 2:
While maintaining a standardized latch design, the system applies local quality by positioning latches at specific critical locations around the container perimeter. The latches are strategically placed at the front, rear, and side faces where they provide maximum stabilization effect. This localized deployment of standardized components achieves high reliability through optimal positioning while avoiding the complexity of designing different latch mechanisms for each position.
3Ease of operation
If detachable latches are used for easy operation, then ease of operation is improved, but the strength of connection may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is designed to be self-operating through a simple insertion and engagement action. The detachable nature of the latch allows it to be easily inserted into the receiving element and automatically engaged without requiring complex manipulation. This self-service design maintains ease of operation while the robust engagement geometry ensures sufficient connection strength for stacking applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch incorporates a curved engagement surface that guides the connection process. The curved geometry of the latch and receiving element works together to provide a smooth, intuitive engagement motion that is easy to operate. The curved design also distributes the connection force more effectively across the engagement surface, maintaining connection strength while preserving ease of operation through the guided engagement mechanism.
Data Source
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Figure 5~9
AI summary
A container with fastening means comprises a box-like body in the shape of a parallelepiped with rounded ribs, a cover, and means for lifting and transferring the container. The side faces of the container are configured with latches that are staggered in a ring in a horizontal plane so as to be capable of engaging with latches on adjacent analogous containers. The means for lifting and transferring the container are disposed in the upper part of the side faces. The latches are detachable, are arranged in two pairs on each face of the container, and are shaped like a mushroom having a flat rectangular cap and a stem of corresponding shape which is inserted in an opening in a rectangular plate. Said plate is provided with an analogous parallel rectangular opening for mating with the second analogous latch of a latch pair. Configured along the axis of the stem in the direction of the centre of the cap is a threaded blind hole, via which the latch is secured from inside the container by means of a screw. In addition, horseshoe-shaped supports are secured to the ribs of the container from the underside, said supports being designed to interact with a supporting metal strip fastened below the cover to the inside surfaces of the side faces of the container.