Hinged Box Latch Assembly for Deformation-Resistant Closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing latches for hinged boxes are prone to accidental opening due to deformation, especially in heavily loaded boxes made of moulded plastic, and require cumbersome multi-step operations for closure, often involving small, costly components that can obstruct immediate closure.
Innovation Solution
A simplified latch system with a fastening connector and locking puller, secured by fastening protrusions and a stiffening bar, allowing single-motion assembly and operation, with a grip cavity for easy handling and a retention pin for secure closure, preventing accidental opening and deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional latches with multiple small components are used to prevent accidental opening, then reliability improves, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple traditional latch components (handle, locking element, intermediate component, elastic elements) into a single integrated locking device. The locking device includes a handle (62) with an integrated locking element (63) and intermediate component (64), eliminating the need for separate small parts while maintaining the function of preventing accidental opening through the elastic element (58) that applies closing pressure between box halves.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking device serves multiple functions simultaneously: the handle (62) provides user operation, the locking element (63) engages with the catch (32) to secure the box, the intermediate component (64) enables rotation and positioning, and the elastic element (58) provides continuous closing pressure. This multi-functional design replaces several separate components with one universal locking device.
2Reliability
If traditional multi-step latch operation is used to ensure secure closure, then reliability improves, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic element (58) is pre-loaded to automatically apply closing pressure between the box halves as soon as the locking element (63) engages with the catch (32). This preliminary action ensures secure closure without requiring the user to manually apply additional pressure or perform multiple steps, improving ease of operation while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking device incorporates dynamic elements including the rotatable handle (62) that can move between open and closed positions, and the elastic element (58) that dynamically adjusts closing pressure based on box deformation or loading conditions. This dynamic design allows the latch to adapt to different operating conditions while maintaining simple user interaction through single-motion operation.
3Ease of manufacture
If boxes are made from moulded plastic to reduce cost, then manufacturing cost decreases, but strength and resistance to deformation worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic element (58) is pre-installed in the locking device to provide continuous closing pressure between the box halves. This beforehand cushioning compensates for the lower inherent strength of moulded plastic boxes by actively counteracting deformation forces from heavy loads or impacts, ensuring the box halves remain securely closed without requiring the plastic material itself to be stronger.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic element (58) applies preliminary anti-action by continuously pushing the box halves together in the closed position, counteracting any opening forces before they can cause deformation or accidental opening. This pre-applied counter-force protects the moulded plastic structure from the weaknesses it would otherwise exhibit under heavy loading conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
An improved box closure and transport assembly is provided including a top cover, a bottom cover, and a securing element, wherein the top cover pivots with respect to the bottom cover, and each has at least one fastening protrusion on the top cover, in which a locking device is placed, and a locking protrusion aligned in the closed position with the bottom cover, and the locking device includes a fastening connector and a locking puller, which has at one end a rotation hole and, at the opposite end, a locking protrusion, whose locking projection is capable of being inserted into a locking groove arranged in the locking protrusion.