Foldable Crate Cam Locking Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Foldable crates face challenges in maintaining stability and preventing accidental closure of side walls during transport, requiring robust yet lightweight designs with efficient locking mechanisms that can withstand forces and allow easy detachment of components for cleaning and maintenance, while also ensuring the side walls remain open for effective cleaning and handling.
Innovation Solution
A foldable crate design featuring a hinge arrangement with a cam and shaft mechanism that prevents automatic closure of side walls, allowing for easy detachment and secure locking, combined with a spring-loaded locking mechanism for stability and emergency release, and a spherical surface structure for enhanced rigidity and hygiene.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the side walls are made robust and stable, then the crate can withstand forces during transport, but the crate weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The side walls are divided into multiple panels connected by hinges, allowing the structure to achieve strength through modular assembly rather than requiring a single heavy piece. Each panel can be optimized for minimal weight while contributing to overall structural integrity when assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The side walls transition from a static rigid structure to a dynamic foldable structure with hinges and locking mechanisms. This allows the walls to be lightweight and foldable for transport, yet provide robust support when locked in the extended position during use.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a locking mechanism is added to prevent accidental closure, then the crate stability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to automatically engage and disengage based on the natural movement of the side walls. When the side wall is pushed into the locked position, the mechanism self-activates without requiring additional actuators, sensors, or complex control systems, thereby maintaining simplicity while ensuring stability.
3Ease of operation
If the hinge mechanism is designed for easy detachment, then the ease of operation improves, but the force transmission capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism incorporates a detent or locking feature that prevents accidental detachment during forceful operation. The hinge requires a deliberate unlocking action (such as pressing a release button or pulling a tab) before the side wall can be detached, ensuring that the connection remains secure under normal loading conditions while allowing easy removal when intentionally released.
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
The design ensures the side walls remain open and stable during transport, facilitates easy cleaning, and provides robustness and durability, allowing for efficient handling and maintenance without wear and tear, while maintaining a low weight and compact folding capability.
Implementation Method 1
a cam (52) arranged in the foot region of the outer wall (6b), wherein the cam contour is designed in such a way that when the outer wall (6b) is erected, the cam contour comes into contact with a contact surface (76) in such a way that the shaft (50) is moved inwards
Implementation Method 2
a spring-loaded locking mechanism for stability and emergency release
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a box comprising a base (2) provided with a stationary outer wall area (18) which extends upwardly from the base in the vertical direction (8) and an outer wall (6b) comprising a shaft (50) which is arranged in the base area of the outer wall (6b). A guide opening (54) is formed in the stationary outer wall area (18) in which the shaft (50) is arranged and which comprises a lateral opening section (54b) which extends inwardly essentially in the lateral direction (12) from an outer side of the stationary outer wall area (18), displaceable in the shaft (50). Said stationary outer wall area (18) comprises a bearing surface (76) which is arranged therein. A cam (52) is arranged in the base area of the stationary outer wall area (6b) and comprises a cam contour which is designed in such a manner that said cam contour, when assembling the outer wall (6b), rests upon the bearing surface (76), such that when a critical angle (68) is exceeded, the shaft (50) in displaced inwardly in the lateral opening section (54b). After exceeding the critical angle (68), a lower side (66) of the outer wall (6b) is pressed against an inner edge area (90) of the stationary outer wall area (18) by means of first contact pressure due to the actuation of the shaft (50) or the cam (52), said first contact pressure being greater than a second contact pressure, with which the lower side (66) of the outer wall (6b) is pressed against an upper side of the stationary outer wall area (18) in the vertical position due to the actuation of the shaft (50) or the cam (52).