Folding Transport Container Embedded Lock-Release Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current folding transport containers with withdrawable pull rods protrude, causing increased space requirements during storage and transportation, and are prone to jamming or destruction when placed close together, requiring significant physical force for manipulation.
Innovation Solution
A folding transport container with an embedded lock-release mechanism, featuring a lever with a catch and spring, allows for compact folding and unfolding without protrusions, using a carrying shaft and safety spurs for enhanced safety and strength, enabling containers to be placed closely without physical strain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If withdrawable pull rods are used to enable folding of the container, then the container can be folded for compact storage, but the pull rods protrude from the outer walls increasing the space required for storage and transportation
Solution Approach 1:
The lock-release mechanism is nested inside the side upright of the container wall. The lever with catch is positioned within the hollow interior of the side upright, and the catch engages with an opening in the adjacent side panel. This nesting eliminates protrusions from the outer walls while maintaining the folding functionality, allowing containers to be placed immediately next to each other without space waste.
2Ease of operation
If withdrawable pull rods are used to enable folding, then the container can be collapsed, but the pull rods get stuck or destroyed during manipulation when containers are placed close together
Solution Approach 1:
The problematic pull rod mechanism is extracted and replaced with an embedded lock-release mechanism. The lever with catch is positioned inside the side upright structure, eliminating the protruding rod that caused jamming and destruction. The catch engages with the adjacent side panel through a controlled opening, providing reliable locking without the risks associated with withdrawable rods.
3Ease of operation
If withdrawable pull rods are used for folding, then the container can be collapsed, but high physical force is needed for withdrawal of the rods
Solution Approach 1:
The lock-release mechanism is designed to be actuated by simple pressure on the lever, which automatically triggers the catch to release from the engaged opening. The spring-loaded lever returns to its locked position automatically after release, eliminating the need for high-force manual rod withdrawal. Users only need to apply minimal force to press the lever for release, and the mechanism self-locks upon folding.
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 solution reduces space requirements during storage and transportation, minimizes the risk of jamming or destruction, and simplifies manipulation, reducing maintenance and storage costs.
Implementation Method 1
A spring is linked to the lever
Data Source
AI summary
Folding transport container intended mainly for transport of materials, goods, and other cargo, comprising the base, side panels with side uprights (2, 3), where these panels have pivot links with edges of the base and lock-release mechanism (1). The lock-release mechanism is placed inside the side upright (2) of the first side panel and includes the lever (4) with catch (5) and spring (6), wherein the lever (4) is placed in rotary fashion inside the side upright (2) of the first side panel using fixed axis (7) so that one end of the lever (4) is placed within the hollow 1 (8) of the side upright (2) of the first side panel, while the other end of the lever (2) has fixed link to a catch (5), which is placed inside the hollow 2 (9) of the side upright (2) of the first side panel. The side upright (3) of the adjacent side panel is equipped with an opening (10), whose shape and dimensions are adapted to the shape and dimensions of the catch (5) and it is in one plane with the catch (5). The spring (6) is linked to the lever (4).