Pivoting Transport Container Handle Locking to Prevent Rattle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transport containers with pivotable handle elements lack effective mechanisms for securely fixing the handle in both rest and use positions, leading to inconvenient handling and potential rattling noises due to improper alignment with the container's walls.
Innovation Solution
A locking device comprising a cam wheel with rotationally fixed latching elements and a spring-loaded cage that securely fixes the handle element in its desired position, preventing unintentional pivoting and reducing rattling noises by pretensioning the handle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a pivotable handle element is provided on the transport container, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to lack of secure fixing in rest and use positions
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is prepared in advance with latching elements positioned to engage with the cam wheel. When the handle element pivots to desired positions (rest or use positions), the latching elements automatically engage with corresponding cam profiles to secure the handle, preventing unintentional pivoting and ensuring reliable positioning.
2Ease of operation
If the handle element is made movable between positions, then ease of operation is improved, but object-generated harmful factors worsen due to rattling noises
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is prepared in advance with latching elements positioned to engage with the cam wheel. When the handle element pivots to desired positions (rest or use positions), the latching elements automatically engage with corresponding cam profiles to secure the handle, preventing unintentional pivoting and ensuring reliable positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element, which could be seen as adding complexity, actually serves to press the latching elements firmly against the cam wheel, converting the potential harm of loose fitting into the benefit of secure engagement that eliminates rattling noises while maintaining handle mobility.
3Reliability
If a locking device with cam wheel and spring-loaded cage is added, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device combines multiple functions into a single integrated mechanism: the cam wheel serves both as a positioning element and a locking surface, the spring element provides both the locking force and the return force, and the latching elements perform both engagement and disengagement functions. This merging reduces the need for separate components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking device is designed to be self-actuating through the spring element that automatically pushes the latching elements against the cam wheel. When the handle element pivots to a locked position, the cam profile automatically engages the latching elements without requiring additional actuators or complex control mechanisms, making the system self-regulating and reducing overall complexity.
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 enhances user convenience by maintaining the handle in a secure, upright position during use and preventing rattling noises, ensuring the handle remains locked in its intended position regardless of the container's orientation, thus improving handling comfort and reducing noise.
Implementation Method 1
the latching receptacle being provided by a spring-loaded cage
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6~8
AI summary
The invention relates, among other things, to a transport container (10), such as a suitcase or bag, comprising a handle element (14) pivotably fixed to a ceiling wall (12) of the transport container for hand-carrying the transport container, wherein the handle element is pivotable between at least one rest position (19a, 19b) approaching the ceiling wall and an upright operating position (18). A particular feature is that a device (29) is provided for locking the handle element in its rest position and/or for locking the handle element in its operating position.