Foldable Container Side Wall Locking Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Large containers with foldable side walls are difficult to open and close due to the complexity of actuating multiple locking devices simultaneously, especially for operators handling large cargo carriers with dimensions of 800×600 mm and above, which are typically used in industrial applications.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates L-shaped handle components with engagement lugs and support members on the side walls, allowing for easy operation from both inside and outside the container, enabling a single operator to open or close the side walls by moving the handle components inward or outward, facilitated by intuitive arrow-shaped recesses and protrusions for secure gripping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple locking devices are provided on large containers to ensure secure locking, then the locking reliability is improved, but the complexity of actuating all locking devices simultaneously increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple locking devices are connected through a coupling mechanism that allows a single actuating action to simultaneously engage or disengage all locking lugs. The coupling connects the locking lugs of adjacent side walls, enabling synchronized operation of multiple locking devices through one handle component, thus maintaining reliability while reducing actuation complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
A coupling mechanism acts as an intermediary between the handle component and multiple locking lugs. This coupling transmits the actuating force from a single handle to multiple locking devices simultaneously, enabling one operator to control all locking devices without requiring simultaneous manual operation of each individual lock.
2Reliability
If two locking devices are arranged at a distance on each side wall to provide comprehensive locking, then the locking coverage is improved, but the difficulty of simultaneous actuation by one operator increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling serves as a mediator that bridges the distance between remotely arranged locking devices. By connecting locking lugs through this intermediary mechanism, the system allows comprehensive locking coverage across distributed locations while enabling simultaneous actuation through a single handle component, thus maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking system is segmented into modular handle components, each responsible for actuating specific locking devices. Each handle component can be independently operated to control its associated locking lugs, allowing operators to manage large containers with multiple locking devices in a systematic, manageable way rather than requiring simultaneous coordination of all locks.
3Reliability
If engagement lugs are positioned remotely to lock distant side walls, then the locking effectiveness is improved, but the actuation path length increases requiring additional clutch elements
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling acts as an intermediary that extends the actuation reach without requiring long direct actuation paths. By transmitting force through this intermediate mechanism, the system can engage remotely positioned locking lugs effectively while avoiding the need for complex long-travel actuation mechanisms or additional clutch elements.
Data Source
AI summary
A large container (2) comprising: a base component (3); four circumferentially arranged side walls (4, 8) of which at least one is attached to the base component (3) through at least one hinge and the at least one side wall is thus foldable towards the base component (3); at least one locking device at the foldable side wall (4) for attaching the foldable side wall (4) in folded up condition at least at one side wall (8) which joins the foldable side wall (4), wherein the locking device is arranged in a recess (10) of the foldable side wall (4), wherein the recess is configured so that the locking device is actuatable from inside and outside the large container (2).