Sterilization Container Latch Mounting via Direct Welding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dual latch mechanisms in sterilization containers are prone to mechanical failure due to metal fatigue and separation from the container, compromising the seal and making operation difficult due to physical instability.
Innovation Solution
A support assembly with fewer components, directly welded onto the container surface, eliminating intermediate coupling structures, and featuring spaced apart blocks to securely attach the lower latch plate, enhancing structural integrity and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If multiple intermediate coupling structures (studs, posts, plates) are used to attach the latch mechanism to the container, then the latch mechanism can be assembled and attached to the container, but the support structure becomes susceptible to metal fatigue and separation, leading to mechanical failure
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the intermediate coupling structures (studs, posts, plates) from the attachment system. The support block is welded directly to the container wall, eliminating the chain of couplings that caused metal fatigue and separation. This extraction of unnecessary intermediate components resolves the contradiction by maintaining ease of manufacture through direct welding while dramatically improving reliability by removing fatigue-prone joints.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the support block directly with the container wall through welding, combining what were previously separate components (support block and container wall) into a unified structural assembly. This merging eliminates the intermediate couplings and creates a more reliable, fatigue-resistant connection while simplifying the overall manufacturing process.
2Ease of operation
If taught fixed relationships between components are maintained for proper latch operation, then the latch mechanism operates smoothly, but the support structure becomes physically unstable when couplings loosen
Solution Approach 1:
By removing the intermediate coupling structures that were prone to loosening, the invention eliminates the source of physical instability. The direct welding connection ensures that the support block maintains its fixed relationship with the container wall, preventing the loosening that caused instability while preserving smooth latch operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The direct welding connection serves as a preventive measure against future loosening and instability. By creating a permanent, rigid attachment from the beginning, the invention cushions against the potential problem of coupling loosening that would otherwise occur with intermediate fasteners, ensuring long-term stability and smooth operation.
3Ease of manufacture
If a complex support structure with multiple couplings is used, then the latch mechanism can be attached to the container, but the number of mechanical failure sites increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes all intermediate coupling structures from the attachment system. By eliminating studs, posts, and plates, the number of potential mechanical failure sites is dramatically reduced. The direct welding connection replaces the complex multi-component assembly, maintaining attachment capability while improving reliability through fewer failure points.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges multiple separate components (support block, container wall, and intermediate couplings) into a single welded assembly. This consolidation eliminates the interfaces between components where failures could occur, reducing the total number of mechanical failure sites while maintaining the necessary attachment functionality.
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 provides a sturdy and stable dual latch mechanism with reduced mechanical failure sites, ensuring a secure seal and improved operational reliability for repeated usage.
Implementation Method 1
a pair of spaced apart blocks welded directly onto the exterior surface of the tray component
Data Source
AI summary
The invention described herein includes a support assembly for a dual latch mechanism on a sterilization container, wherein the support assembly has improved structural rigidity and integrity for repeated usage. The support assembly comprises a pair of spaced apart blocks welded directly onto the exterior surface of the tray component of a sterilization container; wherein each of the blocks hingedly receive a lower latch plate of the dual latch mechanism. The invention further provides a dual latch mechanism for a sterilization container comprising the improved support assembly. The invention also provides a manufacturing process for sterilization containers having a lid component and tray component and dual latch mechanism, wherein the process comprises directly spot-welding two blocks in spaced apart position onto the exterior surface of the tray component.