Container Latching Hook with Tapered Stress Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container designs with latching elements tend to weaken over time, leading to a high probability of failure and breakage, especially when repeatedly used, which compromises the locking mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A container design featuring a latching element with a latching hook and receptacle that form a form-fit locking mechanism, where the latching element is movably connected to the peripheral wall or lid, allowing for increased mobility and distribution of force through tapered sections and a spring clip for enhanced locking and unlocking functionality, reducing the likelihood of failure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the latching element is repeatedly pivoted for unlocking the lid, then the mobility and ease of operation are improved, but the connection of the latching element to the container weakens and the probability of breakage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the latching element by introducing a tapered section that reduces the cross-sectional area in a specific region. This parameter change allows the design to accommodate repeated pivoting movements while managing stress distribution to prevent breakage at critical connection points.
Solution Approach 2:
The tapered section acts as a stress-distributing feature that prepares the latching element structure for the forces encountered during repeated operation. By designing this geometric feature in advance, the patent cushions against the weakening effect of repeated pivoting on the connection between the latching element and the container.
2Ease of manufacture
If the cross-section of the latching element is reduced in a specific region, then the mobility and ease of manufacture are improved, but the strength at that location decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a tapered section only in a specific region of the latching element rather than uniformly reducing the cross-section throughout. This localized geometric modification provides the desired mobility and manufacturing simplicity while maintaining sufficient strength in other critical areas of the latching element.
Data Source
AI summary
A container has an opening that can be closed by a lid and latching elements for releasably locking the lid. The latching elements are arranged in a region of overlap of the container wall and the lid side wall. The latching elements are separately inserted latching elements received in latching-element receptacles, and include latching hooks. The latching hooks can be brought into engagement with inversely corresponding latching-hook receptacles when the container opening is closed by the lid.