Height-Adjustable Container Lock With Segmented Retaining Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing height-adjustable container locks are prone to wear, sensitive to dirt, and difficult to operate, especially when handling 45-foot containers with tunnels or transporting 20-foot containers without tunnels, due to their design which leads to protrusion of pivot pins and sensitivity to dirt and dust.
Innovation Solution
A container lock with a two-part retaining element comprising a superstructure and a clamping plate, where the desired height is set by inserting the holding element into the housing, allowing for three adjustable positions without play, reducing wear and preventing dirt accumulation through an open design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the container lock is designed with a closed construction to protect against dirt, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to sensitivity to dirt and dust accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into a housing and a holding element that can be separated from each other. The holding element can be removed from the housing for cleaning and maintenance, allowing the housing to remain protected while the removable part can be easily cleaned. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by enabling easy maintenance without compromising the protected construction.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the pivot pin is positioned higher to engage with container locking fittings, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for height adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The holding element is designed to be movable relative to the housing, allowing dynamic adjustment of the pivot pin height. The holding element can be positioned in different vertical positions along the housing and locked in place using connecting elements. This dynamic design provides height adaptability without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms, as the simplicity of moving and locking the holding element achieves the desired versatility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the container lock is designed for multiple height positions to accommodate different container types, then versatility is improved, but wear increases at the highest altitude due to large leverage effects
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between the holding element and housing is segmented into discrete connecting elements positioned at different heights. These connecting elements act as bearing points that distribute the leverage effects across multiple locations. By segmenting the connection and distributing the load across several bearing points rather than concentrating it in a single bearing block, the wear is reduced while maintaining multi-position capability.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the holding element is made rigid to maintain position, then stability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in insertion and removal
Solution Approach 1:
The holding element is designed with dynamic characteristics that allow easy insertion and removal during operation, while maintaining stability when locked in position. The holding element can be freely moved along the housing during insertion/removal, but when positioned and locked by the connecting elements, it achieves stable fixation. This dynamic design resolves the contradiction by providing ease of operation during adjustment while ensuring stability during use.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The device has a retaining unit (3) selectively inserted at a height into a housing (2) and comprising a track superstructure (12) and a clamping plate (13). The superstructure carries two upper connection units (6a, 6b), and the clamping plate carries a lower connection unit (6c). A pivot pin (4) is arranged in the retaining unit, and is inserted into a locking device bracket of a container, and the housing is U-shaped and is formed with three blades.