Integral Lock Mounting Structure for Thin-Walled Plastic Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lock mounting systems for thin-walled plastic containers are inefficient, often requiring external locks that can be lost or misplaced, and previous solutions for thicker containers do not adapt well to thinner ones, necessitating extraneous hardware that risks rusting or breaking.
Innovation Solution
A lock mounting structure that is integrally formed with the container, featuring a mounting structure extending from the inner surface with an aperture for the lock cylinder and reinforcing rim, allowing secure attachment without external hardware, suitable for both thin and thick walled containers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If external pad locks are used to lock thin-walled containers, then the locking function is achieved, but the lock can easily be lost or misplaced
Solution Approach 1:
The lock mounting structure is integrally formed with the container lid, merging the previously separate lock and container into a single unified structure. This integration eliminates the risk of the lock being lost or misplaced while maintaining the locking function, directly resolving the technical contradiction between reliability and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The lock mounting structure is pre-formed as an integral part of the container lid during the molding process. This preliminary action ensures the lock mounting capability is built-in from the start, eliminating the need for separate locks and their associated mounting hardware, thus improving reliability without increasing complexity
2Reliability
If drawer locks are mounted to thin-walled containers using metal spacers and extraneous hardware, then the lock can be mounted, but the hardware risks rusting, bending and breaking
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting structure is integrated into the container lid as a single piece, eliminating the need for separate metal spacers, screws, and other extraneous hardware components. This merger removes the sources of rusting, bending, and breaking while maintaining mounting functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The lock mounting structure is formed from the same plastic material as the container lid using integral molding. This composite approach ensures all components are made from corrosion-resistant plastic rather than metal, eliminating rusting risks and reducing the likelihood of bending and breaking
3Reliability
If the lock mounting structure is integrally formed with the container, then hardware failure risk is reduced, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The lock mounting structure is formed during the initial molding of the container lid, performing the mounting structure creation action in advance. This preliminary action integrates the mounting features into the main manufacturing process, avoiding the need for separate assembly steps and reducing overall manufacturing complexity despite the integrated design
Data Source
AI summary
A lock mounting structure for mounting a lock to a part of a container is disclosed. The lock mounting structure comprises an outer part adapted to form an outer portion of the container part and an inner part adapted to form an inside portion of the container part and having a first surface for facing towards the inside of the container. The inner part includes a mounting structure for mounting the lock thereto. The mounting structure extends outwardly from the first surface. The structure also includes an aperture for accessing a key receiving end of the lock. The lock mounting structure is formed as an integral piece.