Motorized Container Corner Lock with Wireless Status Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing container corner lock system is hazardous and time-consuming for operators, with high risks of accidents during locking/unlocking, especially in rough maritime conditions, and lacks a practical method for verifying the secure locking of all containers, leading to potential security breaches due to malfunctioning locks and inadequate maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A container corner lock system with remotely controlled electric motors and wireless communication allows for secure locking/unlocking of containers from a distance, featuring a first and second protruding part with locking mechanisms, wireless transceivers, and a processing circuit to manage locking operations and verify lock status, reducing manual labor and enabling real-time monitoring of lock status.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If operators manually lock/unlock container corner locks by climbing or being elevated to reach upper container tiers, then the locking operation can be performed, but the operator safety deteriorates due to dangerous working conditions at height in wet, windy and swaying maritime environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical locking operations with an automated motorized locking mechanism. The motorized corner lock automatically locks the container stack, eliminating the need for operators to physically climb or be elevated to perform locking operations, thereby removing operators from hazardous high-altitude work environments in rough maritime conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The motorized corner lock system performs the locking operation autonomously without requiring human operators to physically access the containers. The system serves itself by automatically engaging the locking mechanism, confirming lock status, and reporting back to the bridge, making the operation self-contained and eliminating human exposure to harmful environmental factors.
2Ease of operation
If multiple operators are hired to manually lock/unlock container corner locks, then the locking operation can be completed, but the operational cost deteriorates due to labor requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes human labor with an automated motorized system that performs locking operations without requiring operators to physically access the containers. This single automated system replaces multiple human operators, significantly reducing labor requirements and associated operational costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The motorized corner lock system autonomously performs all locking operations, confirming lock status and reporting to the bridge without human intervention. This self-service capability eliminates the need for multiple operators to manually lock each container corner, reducing labor from a plural requirement to a single automated system.
3Ease of operation
If operators manually lock/unlock container corner locks, then the locking operation can be performed, but the time efficiency deteriorates due to prolonged port stay
Solution Approach 1:
The motorized locking mechanism performs locking operations rapidly and automatically, eliminating the time-consuming manual process of operators climbing, accessing, and securing each corner lock. This automation significantly reduces the total time required for container stacking operations, thereby reducing port stay duration and associated harbor dues.
Solution Approach 2:
The motorized corner lock system enables continuous locking operations without interruption by operators needing to reposition, climb, or manually manipulate locks. The automated system maintains continuous operation flow, rapidly securing all container corners in sequence, thereby minimizing the overall time containers spend in port during loading/unloading operations.
4Reliability
If captains perform manual verification of all container corner locks, then lock status can be confirmed, but the time required deteriorates to excessive levels
Solution Approach 1:
The motorized corner lock incorporates automatic feedback mechanisms that detect and report lock status to the bridge. Sensors within the motorized system confirm whether each corner lock is properly engaged and transmit this information automatically, providing real-time verification without requiring captains or operators to manually inspect each lock, thereby maintaining reliability while eliminating time-consuming verification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection and physical verification of locks with an automated electronic verification system. The motorized corner locks include sensors and communication systems that automatically detect lock engagement status and report to the bridge, substituting human verification efforts with automated electronic confirmation, maintaining reliability while reducing verification time from days to moments.
5Reliability
If captains perform manual verification of all container corner locks, then lock status can be confirmed, but the operational complexity deteriorates due to the large number of locks to check
Solution Approach 1:
The motorized corner lock system incorporates automatic feedback mechanisms that detect and report lock status to the bridge. Sensors within the motorized system confirm whether each corner lock is properly engaged and transmit this information automatically, providing real-time verification without requiring captains or operators to manually inspect each lock, thereby maintaining reliability while eliminating time-consuming verification.
Solution Approach 2:
The motorized corner lock serves multiple functions: it performs the locking operation, detects lock status, confirms proper engagement, and reports to the bridge—all through a single integrated system. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate manual operations (locking, inspecting, verifying, reporting) into one automated device, reducing verification process complexity while maintaining comprehensive reliability.
6Reliability
If container corner locks are maintained at regular time intervals, then lock reliability can be ensured, but the maintenance overhead deteriorates due to monitoring requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The motorized corner lock includes built-in sensors and communication systems that continuously monitor lock status and functionality, providing automatic feedback to the bridge. This continuous monitoring capability enables real-time detection of maintenance needs or failures, allowing the system to maintain high reliability through automated surveillance rather than manual inspection schedules, reducing maintenance overhead while ensuring lock functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
Method, container corner lock and system for fastening a first container corner casting of a first container and a corresponding second container corner casting of a second container. The first container is stacked on the second container. The container corner lock includes: a first protruding part; including a first locking for fixing the first protruding part into the first recess; a second protruding part, including a second locking for fixing the second protruding part into the second recess; an electric motor configured to block or unblock the movement of at least one of the locking means; a first wireless transceiver; a processing circuit configured to receive the signal from the wireless transceiver and generate a command for operating the electric motor and a second wireless transceiver or transponder with a shorter range than said first wireless transceiver.