Container Latching System With Pivoting Locking Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional containers and latching systems are often not durable and can be difficult to use, as they may not securely hold items and can engage unintentionally or fail to provide a sufficient lock, rendering them ineffective.
Innovation Solution
A container design featuring a base with a sidewall structure, a latch keeper, and a lid with a latch assembly that includes a pivotally engaged latch body, a locking member, a biasing member, and an activating member, which allows for secure locking and unlocking mechanisms to ensure the lid is properly aligned and secured.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional latching systems are used, then the container can be simple in structure, but the reliability of the locking mechanism is insufficient and may engage unintentionally
Solution Approach 1:
The latch body is designed to pivot between locked and unlocked positions, allowing the latching system to dynamically respond to closing forces and user activation. The biasing member provides dynamic force to maintain the locking member in the first position, enabling reliable engagement while allowing controlled disengagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking member acts as an intermediary between the latch body and latch keeper, transferring and controlling the locking force. This intermediate component provides a mechanical advantage that enhances reliability while maintaining reasonable structural complexity.
2Strength
If conventional latching systems are used, then the structure can be simple, but the latching system may not provide sufficient lock strength to hold items securely
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing member is pre-configured to bias the locking member in the first (locked) position, ensuring that the locking force is applied in advance before any potential failure or opening attempt occurs. This preliminary action guarantees sufficient lock strength without requiring complex reinforcement structures.
3Ease of operation
If conventional latching systems are used, then the system can be easy to manufacture, but the latching mechanism may engage when the user does not want it engaged
Solution Approach 1:
The latch assembly is designed to automatically engage when the lid is closed, with the locking member being biased into the first position by the biasing member. This self-service mechanism ensures proper engagement without requiring manual intervention, while the activating member provides a simple user interface for controlled disengagement.
4Reliability
If the locking member is held in the first position by a biasing member, then the locking reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The latch body, locking member, and biasing member are integrated into a single latch assembly that works as a unified mechanism. This merging of components achieves reliable locking through coordinated action rather than through the accumulation of separate, complex components.
Data Source
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.