Elastic Pull Latch for Single-Handed Release of Stacked Boxes
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing latch structures for stacked objects, such as boxes or crates, are inconvenient to unlatch as they require both hands to release the uppermost item from the stack, making it difficult to separate the items one by one.
Innovation Solution
A latch structure featuring elastic pull latches on the sides of carriers with a vertically moving elastic boss and catch grooves, allowing each latch to be pulled out and held in a released position with one hand, enabling single-handed release of stacked carriers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a traditional latch structure is used to connect stacked objects, then the connection stability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates because two hands are required to unlatch
Solution Approach 1:
The latch structure incorporates an elastic boss that can dynamically change position between a first position (where it engages with the catch groove to lock the latch) and a second position (where it disengages to allow release). This dynamic element enables the latch to transition from a locked to an unlocked state with a single-handed pulling motion, resolving the contradiction between stable connection and ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic pull latch is designed to automatically engage with the catch groove when the carriers are stacked, providing self-latching functionality. The elastic boss naturally moves to the first position upon engagement, securing the latch without requiring manual intervention for locking, while still allowing easy release by pulling
2Reliability
If a latch structure requiring two hands for release is used, then the reliability of the connection is improved, but the productivity deteriorates due to slower separation of stacked items
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic elastic boss enables rapid transition from locked to unlocked state through a simple pulling motion, significantly increasing the speed of separation operations while maintaining reliable connection during the locked state
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic pull latch is pre-configured with the elastic boss in a position that allows immediate release upon pulling. The structure is designed so that the catching portion is already positioned to engage the catch groove, and the elastic boss is ready to move to the first position, enabling quick and efficient separation without preliminary manual manipulation
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
Enables convenient single-handed release of stacked carriers by preventing the elastic pull latch from retracting inward, allowing each latch to be released individually, thus simplifying the process of separating and unlatching stacked objects.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic boss (33) capable of moving vertically is mounted in the elastic pull latch (3)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A latch structure comprising an elastic pull latch is disclosed. The top of the elastic pull latch includes a latch bar configured with a latch groove. The elastic pull latch also includes an elastic boss that moves in and out of the latch cover of the pull latch. On both sides of a box, an elastic pull latch is provided at the top and a catch groove having a catch affixed to the lower edge is provided at the bottom. When two boxes are stacked together, the catch in the catch groove of the upper box is snapped into the latch groove of the elastic pull latch of the lower box to securely connect the two boxes. When the latch is released, the catch of the upper box blocks the elastic boss of the latch of the lower box to prevent the latch from retracting inwards.