Folding Container Hinge Locking Assembly for Automatic Frame Securing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foldable containers face safety hazards due to incorrect bolt insertion in the hinge mechanism, leading to difficulty in locking and unlocking the end frame, which can result in accidental flipping.
Innovation Solution
A hinge device with a locking assembly that automatically locks the movable hinge in the open position and can be manually unlocked, featuring a simple structure with a locking block and bracket that rotates to secure the end frame, allowing easy transition between open and folded positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a bolt is used to lock the movable hinge in the open position, then the end frame can be secured, but the operator may not insert the bolt to the correct position leading to safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The locking assembly automatically locks the movable hinge when it rotates to the open position without requiring manual intervention. The locking block engages with the movable hinge automatically, eliminating the need for the operator to manually insert a bolt, thereby ensuring correct locking every time while simplifying operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking block is pre-positioned within the bracket such that when the movable hinge rotates to the open position, it automatically triggers the locking action. The locking assembly is designed to engage before any potential accidental closing can occur, ensuring the frame is secured in advance.
2Reliability
If a locking assembly with a bracket and locking block is used to automatically lock the movable hinge, then the locking reliability is improved, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The locking assembly is integrated directly into the hinge structure, with the bracket and locking block forming a compact unit that combines locking functionality with the existing hinge components. This merging approach adds minimal complexity while achieving automatic locking.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking assembly is designed as a separate, modular component that can be independently manufactured and assembled onto the hinge. The locking block, bracket, and pivot shaft are distinct elements that work together, allowing for simplified manufacturing and maintenance while providing reliable automatic locking.
3Ease of operation
If the locking block flips within the mounting groove during rotation, then the locking assembly can function, but the mounting groove structure becomes complex to match the flipping track
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of having the locking block flip within a complex mounting groove, the design inverts the approach by allowing the locking block to rotate freely on a pivot shaft within a simple circular opening. The locking engagement is achieved through the geometry of the locking block itself rather than a complex groove path.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking block is extracted from the constraint of a complex mounting groove and given freedom to rotate on a pivot shaft. This extraction simplifies the mounting groove to a basic circular opening while maintaining the automatic locking function through the locking block's interaction with the movable hinge.
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 hinge device ensures safe and easy operation by preventing accidental frame flipping and simplifying the locking mechanism, enhancing user safety and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
a movable hinge pivotally connected to the fixed hinge between a horizontal position and a vertical position about a hinge pivot shaft
Implementation Method 2
a locking assembly pivotally connected to the fixed hinge about a locking pivot shaft with an axial direction parallel to the first horizontal direction to be able to rotate to a locked position
Implementation Method 3
a part of the movable hinge rotated to the vertical position is located below the locking block, thereby enabling the locking block to block a rotation of the movable hinge from the vertical position to the horizontal position
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3
AI summary
A hinge device and a folding container. The hinge device comprises a fixed hinge (110), a movable hinge (120) and a locking assembly (140), wherein the movable hinge (120) is pivotally connected to the fixed hinge (110); the locking assembly (140) is pivotally connected to the fixed hinge (110) around a locking pivot shaft (144); and the locking assembly (140) comprises a support (141) and a lock block (143), the support (141) comprising a pair of side plates (145, 154), and the lock block (143) being provided with a lock shaft (149), which is movably arranged in a penetrating manner between the pair of side plates (145, 154). During rotation of the movable hinge (120) from a horizontal position to a vertical position, the locking assembly (140) located at a locking position can be pushed to rotate, such that part of the movable hinge (120) rotating to the vertical position is below the lock block (143), thereby enabling the lock block (143) to block the movable hinge (120) from rotating from the vertical position towards the horizontal position.