Delivery Rack Lock Layout for Lower-Cost Container Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high manufacturing costs of delivery racks and vehicles due to the need for a driving source for each electric lock in existing lock mechanisms for returnable containers.
Innovation Solution
A delivery rack and vehicle design that uses a single lock mechanism per partition plate to lock multiple containers, reducing the number of required driving sources by using a solenoid lock with a U-shaped pin to straddle partition plates and engage with protrusions on the containers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a solenoid lock is provided for each pair of supports to independently lock each returnable container, then each container can be independently locked and unlocked, but the manufacturing cost increases due to the driving source required for each lock
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple lock mechanisms are merged into a single integrated structure that spans across multiple partition plates. The lock mechanism includes a common base plate and multiple solenoid locks that are structurally combined, allowing one driving source to control multiple locking points simultaneously, thereby reducing the total number of driving sources required
Solution Approach 2:
The lock mechanism is designed as a universal component that can simultaneously perform locking functions for multiple returnable containers across different partition plates. The U-shaped pin structure and multiple solenoid locks work together to provide multi-functional locking capability, enabling a single mechanism to replace multiple individual lock systems
2Ease of operation
If a solenoid lock is provided for each housing part in the article carrying apparatus, then each article can be locked independently, but the manufacturing cost increases due to the driving source required for each solenoid lock
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple lock mechanisms are merged into a single integrated structure that spans across multiple partition plates. The lock mechanism includes a common base plate and multiple solenoid locks that are structurally combined, allowing one driving source to control multiple locking points simultaneously, thereby reducing the total number of driving sources required
Solution Approach 2:
The lock mechanism is designed as a universal component that can simultaneously perform locking functions for multiple returnable containers across different partition plates. The U-shaped pin structure and multiple solenoid locks work together to provide multi-functional locking capability, enabling a single mechanism to replace multiple individual lock systems
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 configuration reduces manufacturing costs while allowing independent locking and unlocking of returnable containers of varying sizes, enhancing delivery efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
The lock mechanism may be a solenoid lock having a U-shaped pin that extends through the partition plate so as to straddle the partition plate
Data Source
AI summary
A rack includes: a casing; M pairs of supports that are provided inside the casing so as to extend in a depth direction and arrayed at regular intervals in an up-down direction; and a lock mechanism that locks returnable containers each housed while being supported so as to be slidable along one pair of supports. The casing of the rack is divided into N rows by (N−1) partition plates, with the M pairs of supports provided in each row, to be able to house a maximum of (M×N) returnable containers. The lock mechanism is provided in each of the (N−1) partition plates so as to extend through the partition plate and correspond to each tier, and simultaneously locks two returnable containers that are housed adjacent to each other on one side and the other side of the partition plate.