Foldable Crate Locking Mechanism with Sinusoidal Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking mechanisms for foldable crates lack enhanced reliability, durability, and cost-effective manufacturing methods, which are essential for improved safety and economic benefits.
Innovation Solution
A foldable crate design incorporating a locking mechanism with a rotor, sinusoidally shaped driving extensions, and a transmission system that includes actuator and locking elements threaded into channels, providing enhanced interlocking capabilities and safety features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional locking mechanisms are used for foldable crates, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the reliability and durability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into distinct functional segments: actuator, transmission means with rotor, sinusoidally shaped driving extensions, and locking elements. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall reliability without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism incorporates dynamic elements including a rotor that rotates and sinusoidally shaped driving extensions that transform rotational motion into linear motion. These dynamic components enhance the reliability of the locking mechanism by providing controlled, repeatable locking and unlocking actions.
2Reliability
If conventional locking mechanisms are used for foldable crates, then the manufacturing cost is low, but the durability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functional elements are merged into integrated components. The transmission means combines a rotor with sinusoidally shaped driving extensions that directly engage the locking elements, reducing the number of separate parts while enhancing durability through coordinated motion transformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The sinusoidally shaped driving extensions transform the rotational parameter of the rotor into linear motion parameter for the locking elements. This parameter transformation provides controlled locking force and improves durability without requiring complex manufacturing processes.
3Reliability
If a complex transmission system with rotor and sinusoidally shaped extensions is added, then the safety and reliability are enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sinusoidally shaped driving extensions use curved geometry to transform rotational motion into linear motion. This curved design provides smooth, controlled movement of the locking elements while maintaining a relatively simple transmission system structure that does not excessively increase device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A foldable crate includes a base platform, a pair of longitudinal sidewalls forming a hinged connection with the base platform and a pair of flanking sidewalls forming a hinged connection with the base platform. The flanking sidewalls accommodate a locking mechanism, which includes an actuator, a transmission mechanism and a pair of locking elements, threaded into channels at the top portion of the flanking sidewalls.