Container Locking Mechanism with Blocking Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing containers, such as suitcases, face challenges in easy and secure opening and closing mechanisms, often requiring users to manually hold the closure device open or laboriously manage the return to a closed position, which complicates operation.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a blocking device that prevents the closure parts from returning to their connected position after opening, allowing for easy and convenient opening without the need for manual holding, and utilizing magnetic elements and latching mechanisms for automatic locking and unlocking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking device is used to secure container parts together, then reliability of closure is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to manual holding requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking device is pre-configured to automatically engage when the locking parts move apart, preventing automatic return to closed position. This preliminary arrangement eliminates the need for manual holding during the opening process, as the blocking function is already in place to control the return movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking device creates a self-regulating system where the locking mechanism automatically controls its own return movement. When the locking parts are moved apart to open the container, the blocking device engages to prevent immediate return, and returns to its initial position automatically when the container is opened, eliminating the need for external manual intervention.
2Ease of operation
If locking parts are moved relative to each other to open the container, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to potential automatic return to closed position
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking device acts as an intermediary element between the two locking parts. It mediates their relative movement by engaging when they move apart and preventing return movement, while allowing the locking parts themselves to remain simple in design. This intermediary controls the interaction between locking parts without complicating their individual structures.
3Ease of operation
If a blocking device is added to prevent return movement, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is segmented into functionally independent components: the locking parts that secure the container and the blocking device that controls return movement. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function without compromising the other, and enables modular design where the blocking device can be added as a separate element rather than redesigning the entire locking mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking device is designed to be dynamically active only when needed - it engages automatically when locking parts move apart to prevent return, and disengages automatically when the container is opened. This dynamic behavior eliminates the need for continuous manual control or complex control systems, as the blocking function activates and deactivates based on the operational state of the container.
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
Facilitates simple and comfortable operation by allowing the container to remain open until intentionally closed, reducing user effort and enhancing the ease of use in both opening and closing processes.
Implementation Method 1
In one embodiment, the first locking part has a first magnetic element and the second locking part has a second magnetic element. When the first and second locking parts are positioned along the closing direction, the first and second magnetic elements attract each other magnetically.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 1D~1E
Figure 1F
AI summary
A container (1), in particular in the form of a case, comprises a first container part (10) and a second container part (11) movable to the first container part (10), wherein the first container part (10) and the second container part (11) allow access to an interior (100) of the container (1) in an open position and close the interior (100) in a closed position.A locking device (2, 2A, 2B) serves to lock the first container part (10) and the second container part (11) together in the closed position, wherein the locking device (2, 2A, 2B) has a first locking part (41) arranged on the first container part (10) and a second locking part (31) arranged on the second container part (11), which assume a connected position in the closed position and are movable relative to each other from the connected position along an actuation direction (B) to open the container (1) in order to release the first locking part (41) and the second locking part (31) from each other.It is provided that the locking device (2, 2A, 2B) has a locking device (43) which is designed to prevent a return movement along the actuation direction (B) into the connected position after the first locking part (41) and the second locking part (31) have been moved relative to each other.