Container Lid Locking Mechanism With One-Way Rolling Latch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing snap-action latches for container lids are prone to unintentional opening due to inertia and manipulation, and sliding bolts require manual locking during closure, lacking automatic locking functionality.
Innovation Solution
A locking mechanism with a bolt and spring-loaded rolling elements that move perpendicular to its longitudinal extent into a guide groove, featuring a geometry that prevents unlocking during shock and allows secure locking by adjusting spring preload.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a snap latch with spring-loaded hook is used for closing container lid, then the container can be closed in a simple manner by pressing the lid against the container body, but the latch bolt can be released from the rear grip with the strike plate due to inertia during impact, causing unintentional opening
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: a bolt for engagement, a rolling element for directional control, and a spring element for resetting. This segmentation allows the closing action to engage the bolt while the rolling element prevents reverse movement, resolving the contradiction between easy closing and resistance to accidental opening.
Solution Approach 2:
The rolling element dynamically changes position based on the direction of force applied. During closing, it allows the bolt to engage the strike plate; during impact or attempted opening, it blocks reverse movement. This dynamic behavior enables the mechanism to provide both easy closing and reliable protection against accidental opening.
2Reliability
If a sliding latch is used to lock bodies against one another, then the locking position can be secured, but the latch must be in an unlocked position during closing and must be actively pushed into locked position, preventing automatic locking
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element automatically resets the rolling element to its blocking position after the bolt has engaged the strike plate during closing. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for active user intervention to achieve the locked position, enabling automatic locking while maintaining secure locking.
Solution Approach 2:
The rolling element is pre-positioned by the spring element to block the bolt's path during closing. As the bolt moves forward, it temporarily displaces the rolling element, but the spring automatically returns the rolling element to its blocking position, ensuring the locked state is achieved without active user action.
3Ease of manufacture
If a latch bolt is used that can be released with simple tools, then the locking mechanism is simple to manufacture, but the latch bolt is very susceptible to manipulation
Solution Approach 1:
The rolling element adds a dimensional constraint to the bolt's movement, blocking it in the reverse direction while allowing forward movement. This dimensional addition prevents tool-based manipulation without significantly complicating the manufacturing process, as the rolling element can be a simple spherical or cylindrical component.
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
Ensures reliable locking and prevents accidental opening, even under shock conditions, with efficient energy use and easy manual operation.
Implementation Method 1
at least one rolling element (5) spring-loaded by a spring element (6) in a rolling element receptacle (54)
Implementation Method 2
The at least one rolling body is preferably spherical, which has a particularly advantageous effect on the low friction relative to the bolt
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A locking mechanism for locking an opening movement of a second body (3) movably held on a first body (2), in particular for locking an opening movement of a container lid or a container flap relative to a container, has a latch (4) arranged on the second body (3), which, during a closing movement, is movable perpendicular to its longitudinal extent into a guide groove (52) open towards the first body (2), and at least one rolling element (5) spring-loaded in a rolling element receptacle (54) open to the guide groove (52) by a spring element (6), which can be pressed against a spring force (F) from a clamping position projecting into the guide groove (52) into a release position pressed into the guide groove (52), wherein the geometry of an entrance area of the rolling element receptacle (54) adjacent to the guide groove (52) is designed such thatthat the rolling element (5) can be pushed from the clamping position projecting into the guide groove (52) into the release position pressed into the guide groove (52) when passing the bolt (4) in a first direction (A), and can be pushed back into the clamping position by the spring force of the spring element (6) after passing the bolt (4), wherein the geometry of the entry area of the rolling element receptacle (54) prevents the rolling element (5) from being pressed in by the bolt (4) in a second direction (B) opposite to the first direction (A), and that the bolt (4) is slidably mounted in or on the second body (3) in the direction of its longitudinal extension, wherein, to unlock the second body (3) from the first body (2), the bolt (4) is slidable in the direction of its longitudinal axis and perpendicular to the direction of insertion of the rolling element (5). Furthermore, a container is described.