Folding Case Locking Mechanism Protected Against Impact Collapse
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Solution Overview
Problem
Folding cases with existing locking mechanisms are prone to unintentional collapse under excessive loads and can be disabled by impacts during stacking and transportation, leading to spillage of contents and damage to the locking system.
Innovation Solution
A folding case design featuring a protected locking mechanism with load-bearing columns, lock protection walls, centralizing pins, and safety features such as safety walls and hinges that prevent deformation and unintended opening, ensuring the locking system remains functional under heavy loads and impacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a locking mechanism is used to fix the sides of the folding case, then the case stability is improved, but the locking mechanism can be disabled by excessive loads or impacts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by designing a protective structure that anticipates and absorbs excessive loads and impacts before they can damage the locking mechanism. The protective hood or cover is positioned to shield the locking components from direct contact with stacking loads, and the base structure is designed to distribute impact forces, preventing the locking mechanism from being disabled by external forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary protective structure (protective hood/cover and reinforced base) between the external environment (stacking loads, impacts) and the locking mechanism. This intermediary absorbs and redirects forces away from the locking components, allowing the locking mechanism to maintain its reliability while still providing case stability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the locking mechanism is exposed to impacts during stacking and transportation, then the case can be transported, but the locking mechanism can be disabled leading to case collapse
Solution Approach 1:
The protective hood or cover is designed to be in place before stacking or transportation occurs, providing pre-cushioning protection to the locking mechanism. The base structure is also designed to absorb impact energies from stacking operations, preventing these impacts from reaching and disabling the locking mechanism during normal transportation and handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective structure serves as an intermediary barrier that allows the case to be transported and stacked while preventing harmful impacts from directly contacting the locking mechanism. This intermediary layer enables transportation capability while preserving locking mechanism functionality throughout the transportation process.
3Device complexity
If a simple locking system is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the locking system can be opened by force from inner corner of the case
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system is segmented into multiple independent components: the locking mechanism itself, the protective hood/cover, and the reinforced base structure. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function - the locking mechanism provides the basic locking function while the protective structures prevent forced opening, achieving enhanced security without requiring a single overly complex locking system.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective hood or cover acts as an intermediary barrier between the simple locking mechanism and external forcing attempts from the inner corner. This intermediary structure absorbs and redirects forcing forces away from the locking components, allowing a simple locking mechanism to achieve enhanced security against forced opening.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a folding case (1) that contains a locking system, a lock protection wall (14) that prevents the folding case (1) from being opened unintentionally when subjected to impacts and/or during the use of a folding case (1), and a safety wall (17) and female hinge housings (21) that prevent the folding case (1) from being deformed even when used for long periods of time.