Transport Container Locking Body Downward Release Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing transport and storage containers have ergonomically unfavorable handling due to the need for an upward lifting movement to unlock the side walls, which can lead to incorrect operation and potential damage, especially when multiple containers are handled closely together.
Innovation Solution
The container features a locking body that runs along the upper edge of the side walls with a preload force acting upwards, allowing it to be easily adjusted from the locking to the unlocking position by exerting a downward force, which aligns with the folding direction, and is designed with spring elements and a U-shaped configuration for stability and accessibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an upward lifting movement is required to unlock the locking device, then the locking device can securely hold the side walls in the locked position, but the handling becomes ergonomically unfavorable and may lead to incorrect operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional unlocking direction by designing the locking body to move downward for unlocking instead of upward. The locking body is preloaded upward by spring elements, so that downward movement against this preload force releases the locking engagement, aligning the unlocking motion with the natural folding direction of the side walls and improving ergonomics while maintaining secure locking.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the directional parameter of the locking body movement from upward (conventional) to downward (inverted). By reversing the movement direction and introducing upward preload force through spring elements, the system achieves both secure locking (through the preload) and ergonomic operation (through downward movement alignment with folding direction).
2Ease of operation
If the locking body is positioned for easy accessibility at the upper edge region, then the operation becomes simpler and more accessible, but the locking body may be accidentally actuated when containers are stacked or handled closely together
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the locking body at the upper edge region of the side walls, placing it in a location that is easily accessible during normal handling operations. The upward preload force created by the spring elements ensures that accidental contact during stacking or close handling does not cause unintended unlocking, as the locking body naturally resists downward movement unless deliberately actuated.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring elements apply a preliminary upward preload force to the locking body, creating a counteracting force that prevents accidental downward movement and unintended unlocking. This preliminary anti-action ensures that only deliberate downward pressure can overcome the preload and release the locking engagement, even when containers are stacked or handled in close proximity.
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
This design simplifies the handling of the container by ensuring that the unlocking movement aligns with the folding direction, reducing the risk of incorrect operation and damage, while maintaining stability and ease of use, even when stacked or handled closely.
Implementation Method 1
each locking body is subjected to a preload force acting upwards in the locking direction
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
The box (1) has a rectangular base (30) and four side walls (10, 20) adjustable between utilization and smooth empty positions. Each lock bar device (40) of side walls has a lock bar body (41) that is movably guided at the walls (10). The bodies run along an upper edge area (11) of the walls (10) and made of plastic, and an upper position of the bodies is a locking position. The bodies are supplied with preloading force that acts upwards in a locking direction. The bodies are adjustable downwards from its locking position into its unlocking position by low pressures against the force.