Crate Coupling Latch for Secure Stacking on Platforms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage solutions lack efficient and secure coupling mechanisms for stacking and articulating crates or containers to various platforms, leading to potential detachment and instability during handling and transportation.
Innovation Solution
A crate design featuring male-female coupling members, including sliding locking slots and tongues, and a locking latch mechanism, which securely locks crates together and allows articulation to different platforms through auxiliary coupling arrangements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If simple stacking is used without coupling members, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability of stacking stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism is divided into separate male and female coupling members that can be independently manufactured and assembled. The male coupling member includes a coupling body with engagement protrusions, while the female coupling member has corresponding engagement recesses, allowing modular assembly that enhances reliability without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling members are designed to nest within each other during stacking, with the male coupling member inserting into the female coupling member. This nesting arrangement provides secure mechanical interlocking for stable stacking while maintaining a compact overall structure
2Ease of operation
If detachable coupling members are used, then ease of operation for assembly and disassembly is improved, but reliability of secure locking deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism incorporates movable locking elements including spring-loaded locking pins and sliding locking surfaces. These dynamic components automatically engage during assembly to provide secure locking, yet can be easily disengaged when needed, balancing operational ease with locking reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling members feature self-locking characteristics where the male and female members automatically engage and lock together through spring-loaded pins and complementary locking surfaces during the stacking operation, providing reliable securing without requiring additional manual locking steps
3Adaptability or versatility
If universal coupling members are used for different platforms, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling members are designed with standardized dimensions and geometries that allow the same male and female coupling components to interface with various platform types including crates, pallets, and containers. This universal design enables multi-platform compatibility while using conventional manufacturing tolerances through robust feature design
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism incorporates adjustable and interchangeable components such as removable coupling bodies and replaceable locking elements. These parameter-changable features allow the same basic coupling structure to adapt to different platform configurations and tolerance variations, maintaining versatility without demanding extreme manufacturing precision
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~1D
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
The present disclosure concerns a crate coupleable to another crate or to a variety of carrying platforms.