Freight Container Locking Device Lever Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking devices for freight containers with ISO-standardized corner fittings face issues such as high fitting tolerances, requiring excessive actuation force, especially in weather-exposed conditions, and have a limited minimum component height, making them inefficient and difficult to securely lock and unlock.
Innovation Solution
A locking device with a manually operable lever element that, through direct interaction with a housing, induces a translation and rotation of the locking means, allowing easy and secure engagement with the corner fitting, even with high tolerances, and includes a biasing mechanism to maintain the locking position and a securing mechanism for safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing locking devices are used with high fitting tolerances, then the locking device can accommodate larger tolerances, but very high actuating force is required to lock or unlock
Solution Approach 1:
The locking means is designed to be displaceable between open and closed positions, allowing dynamic adjustment to accommodate fitting tolerances. The actuating means includes a manually operable lever element that enables controlled displacement of the locking means, adapting to varying corner fitting dimensions while requiring manageable actuating force.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking device allows the locking means to change its position parameter between open and closed states. The lever element enables operators to manually adjust the locking means position to compensate for fitting tolerances, while the biasing mechanism maintains the locking position once engaged, reducing the force needed for operation.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If existing locking devices are exposed to weather, then they must function in outdoor conditions, but very high actuating force is required
Solution Approach 1:
The displaceable locking means with lever actuation allows operators to easily adjust and engage the locking mechanism in outdoor conditions. The manual lever element provides mechanical advantage, enabling operation even when weather conditions cause expansion or contraction of the corner fitting dimensions.
3Length of stationary object
If the component height is reduced below minimum limits, then the locking device becomes more compact, but it is no longer possible to securely lock corner fittings
Solution Approach 1:
The locking means is designed to perform both translational movement (reducing height requirement) and rotational movement (ensuring secure locking) within a compact structure. The lever element actuates the locking means to move horizontally into the corner fitting opening while simultaneously rotating to engage behind the corner fitting wall, achieving secure locking without excessive component height.
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 enables reliable, low-height locking of freight containers with simplified construction, easy operation, and secure engagement, compensating for fitting tolerances and reducing the need for high actuation force, while ensuring the locking device remains securely engaged.
Implementation Method 1
a locking means (2) which, by means of an actuating means (4), can be moved between an open position, in which it can pass unhindered along an insertion axis AE through an opening (102) of the corner fitting (100), and a closed position in which it is locked relative to this opening and in particular hooked behind a wall (104)
Implementation Method 2
the actuating means comprises at least one manually operable lever element (16)
Data Source
Figure 1~6
Figure 7~8
Figure 9~10
AI summary
The present invention relates to a locking device for locking a corner fitting (100), in particular one standardized according to ISO, of a freight container, comprising a locking means (2) which can be moved by means of an actuating means (4) between an open position, in which it can pass unhindered along an insertion axis AE through an opening (102) of the corner fitting (100), and a closed position, in which it locks itself relative to this opening and in particular engages behind a wall at least partially surrounding the opening, and a housing, wherein the actuating means comprises at least one manually operable lever element, wherein the locking means and the actuating means (4) are mounted on the housing in such a way thatthat the actuating means (4), during manual closing, indirectly causes a displacement of the locking means (2) from the open position to the closed position via direct interaction with the housing (6), and directly causes a translation and indirectly a rotation of the locking means from the open position to the closed position. Furthermore, the invention relates to a vehicle or the like as a mounting point for a container, wherein at least one such locking device is provided.