Container Locking Hook with Automatic Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container locking devices are complex, expensive, and prone to failure, with toggle lever and scissor mechanisms that do not guarantee a tight fit, and manual operation is required for locking and unlocking.
Innovation Solution
A container locking device featuring a single locking hook with a multi-part design, actuating elements, and a triggering device that allows automatic locking and semi-automatic unlocking, reducing production costs and failure risks, and ensuring secure container seating without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a toggle lever and scissor mechanism is used for automatic locking, then automatic locking is achieved, but the device becomes complex and expensive to manufacture and prone to failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex toggle lever and scissor mechanism from the locking device, retaining only the essential locking hook and actuating elements. This simplification removes unnecessary components while preserving the automatic locking function through a more straightforward mechanical design.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking device is segmented into distinct functional components: a locking hook with actuating elements, a housing, and a triggering device. This modular segmentation allows for simpler individual components that are easier to manufacture and maintain, while working together to achieve automatic locking.
2Extent of automation
If a toggle lever and scissor mechanism is used, then automatic locking is achieved, but the corner fittings can wobble during operation and a tight fit of the container cannot be guaranteed
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating elements are designed to preliminarily tension the locking hook against the corner fitting before final locking engagement. This preliminary action ensures that the container is tightly secured from the outset, preventing wobble and guaranteeing a secure fit throughout operation.
3Ease of manufacture
If a single locking hook with multi-part design is used, then production costs are reduced and failure risks are reduced, but manual operation is required for locking and unlocking
Solution Approach 1:
The locking hook is designed as a multi-part structure with separate actuating elements that can be manufactured independently and assembled. This segmentation reduces production costs and allows for easier replacement of individual components, while the overall design maintains operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The triggering device is designed to automatically actuate the locking hook when a container is placed on the loading area, eliminating the need for manual operation. The system serves itself by using the container's placement as the trigger for the locking action.
4Device complexity
If a locking hook pivotably mounted on a stationary axis is used, then a simple construction is achieved, but the device does not automatically fall into its locking position and turning the spindle is time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The locking hook is designed to automatically fall into its locking position through its own weight and gravitational force, eliminating the need for manual spindle turning. The simple pivotable construction is enhanced with a triggering mechanism that initiates the automatic locking action, significantly improving productivity while maintaining construction simplicity.
Data Source
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AI summary
The device (10) has a container lock housing (100) and a locking hook (110) that has a hook portion, and a hook element. The locking hook is stationary relative to housing and swivels into standby position and locking position about pivot axis. An actuator device is provided for locking hook, and has upper and lower actuating elements and a releasing mechanism that acts on upper actuating element and/or on lower actuating element after release, and automatically brings about clamping and blocking of locking hook in locking position by lower actuating element. An independent claim is included for an arrangement of locking device.