Curved Actuation Surface for Automatic Container Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current locking systems for securing containers to trailer chassis are prone to accidental unsecuring during transport, posing risks of accidents and damage, and are difficult to integrate into existing chassis without extensive modifications, making them costly and inefficient to produce or modify.
Innovation Solution
A locking system featuring a lock platform with a coupler and interaction member, along with a linkage mechanism and interlock assembly that automatically secures the container upon placement, using a curved or sloped actuation surface to ensure both locks are actuated simultaneously, preventing unsecuring even during sharp turns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manually operated locks are used to secure containers, then the locking system is simple to operate, but the container may become unsecured during transport due to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system automatically actuates the locks when the container is placed on the chassis. The coupler engages with the actuation surface, and the weight of the container automatically triggers the linkage mechanism to secure the container without requiring manual intervention, thereby eliminating human error while maintaining ease of use.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs the locking action in advance of potential unsecuring events. When the container is initially placed on the chassis, the locks are automatically actuated to a secured position before transport begins, ensuring reliability from the outset without requiring ongoing manual operation.
2Reliability
If a new locking system is integrated into the chassis, then container securement is improved, but the difficulty and cost of producing or modifying the chassis increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system is divided into separate modular components: the coupler, the linkage mechanism, the interlock assembly, and the actuation surface. These segmented components can be independently manufactured and then assembled onto existing chassis, reducing the difficulty and cost of production and modification while maintaining improved container securement.
Data Source
AI summary
A lock for securing a container includes a lock platform, a coupler including a portion that is disposed above the lock platform, an interaction member associated with the coupler, and a linkage mechanism including an actuation device and an actuation surface. The actuation surface is curved or sloped. In addition, movement of the actuation device causes movement of the interaction member along the actuation surface in a first direction such that the coupler automatically secures the container to the lock.