Rotating Pusher Control for Folding Crate Sidewall Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control devices for folding crates require manual processing of non-locked crates, leading to inefficiencies and increased handling of defective crates.
Innovation Solution
A compact control device with rotatable pushing elements that can lock and check sidewalls, allowing for simultaneous verification and locking, and adaptable to different crate sizes using movable holding means and detection systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate detection and locking mechanisms are used, then verification accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the detection function and locking function into a single integrated pushing element. The pushing element simultaneously performs both verification (detection) and locking operations, eliminating the need for separate mechanisms while maintaining functional accuracy through its dual-capability design
Solution Approach 2:
The pushing element is designed as a multi-functional component that can perform both detection and locking tasks. By making the pushing element universal, the system achieves both verification accuracy and operational simplicity without requiring multiple specialized components
2Reliability
If multiple pushing elements are used to check all sidewalls, then detection reliability is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pushing element operates continuously by first detecting the locked state from the outer position, then immediately transitioning to the inner position to perform locking if needed. This continuous operation without interruption or separate processing steps maintains high detection reliability while minimizing processing time
Solution Approach 2:
The pushing element performs preliminary detection from the outer position before committing to the locking action from the inner position. This preliminary action allows the system to quickly identify locked sidewalls without performing full locking sequences, thereby maintaining reliability while reducing overall processing time
3Device complexity
If the pushing element is fixed in position, then structural simplicity is improved, but adaptability to different crate sizes decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The pushing element is designed with rotational mobility, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position between outer and inner locations. This dynamic capability enables the same simple structural design to adapt to different folding crate dimensions and configurations without requiring complex adjustable mechanisms
Data Source
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AI summary
Control device (1) for checking that a folded sidewall (4) of a folding crate (3) is locked, comprising holding means (5) for holding a bottom (31) of the folding crate (3), comprising a pushing element (6) which is rotatably arranged from an outer position according to an inward direction of rotation to push against an outer side (41) of the folded sidewall (4), and comprising detection means for detecting whether the folded sidewall (4) is locked, wherein the pushing element (6) and the holding means (5) when holding the folding crate (3) are mutually movably arranged according to a height direction (H), between a closest position and a farthest position, such that in an inner position and the closest position the pushing element (6) is rotatably arranged to push against the inner side (41) of the folded sidewall (4) according to an outward direction of rotation, opposite to the inward direction of rotation, to lock the folded sidewall (4).