Hinged-Lid Box Latch Mechanism for Open-Position Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Standard reusable storage/shipment boxes with hinged lids are unstable when open, especially when not level, and require careful alignment to nest properly when empty.
Innovation Solution
The box features a hinged lid system with latches that secure cover halves both in the closed and open positions, using grip and latch parts with undercuts to keep the cover halves flat against the side walls, and handles that engage with complementary cutouts to maintain stability, allowing easy conversion between positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the cover halves are left to hang freely when open, then the box structure remains simple, but the cover halves become unstable when the box is not level
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the closing function and side-wall securing function into a single latch mechanism. The same latch that secures the cover half to the box in the closed position also secures it to the side wall in the open position, eliminating the need for separate mechanisms and reducing overall device complexity while improving stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch mechanism is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as a closure latch when the cover is closed and as a side-wall securing latch when the cover is open. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by providing stable cover half positioning without adding separate specialized mechanisms.
2Productivity
If manual alignment is required to nest boxes, then nesting capability is achieved, but the operation becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism pre-positions the cover halves against the side walls in the open state, creating a standardized configuration that automatically aligns when boxes are nested. This preliminary positioning action eliminates the need for manual alignment during nesting operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The boxes are designed to self-align during nesting through the standardized position of the cover halves secured by the latches. The geometric configuration and latch positioning enable automatic alignment without requiring operator intervention, improving both speed and ease of nesting.
3Reliability
If the cover halves are secured only in the closed position, then the latch mechanism is simple, but the cover halves cannot be retained in the open position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the closed-position securing function and open-position securing function into a single integrated latch mechanism. The latch engages with different features of the box structure depending on whether the cover is closed or open, providing reliable security in both states without requiring separate mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch mechanism is designed to dynamically adapt its function based on the cover position. It transitions from securing the cover to the box body in the closed position to securing the cover to the side wall in the open position, providing reliable retention throughout the full range of motion.
Data Source
AI summary
A box has a floor, end walls projecting upward from the floor, side walls projecting upward from the floor and bridging the end walls, and a pair of cover halves hinged at upper edges of the side walls and each pivotal between a closed position and an open position. Respective latches on the cover halves each have an outer grip part projecting from the outer face of the respective cover half and an inner latch part projecting from an inner face of the respective cover half. The end walls have keeper formations in which the latch parts are engageable in the closed position. The latches are shiftable on the respective cover halves to disengage from the respective keeper formations. Formations on the outer faces of the side walls latchingly engage the grip parts in the open position for retaining the cover halves in the open positions.