Pivoting Latch Assembly with Carry Strap for Secure Container Handling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional containers and latching systems are often not durable and can be difficult to use, failing to securely hold items and sometimes engaging unintentionally or not providing a sufficient lock, rendering them ineffective.
Innovation Solution
A container design featuring a molded base with a latch assembly that includes a pivotally engaged latch body, a slidable locking member, a biasing member, and an activating member, along with a carry strap with a base member and elongated member for secure handling, addressing durability and usability issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional latching systems are used, then the container can be manufactured with simple structure, but the latching system may engage unintentionally or not provide sufficient lock
Solution Approach 1:
The latch body is made pivotally engaged with the lid, allowing it to rotate between locked and unlocked positions. This dynamic movement enables reliable engagement and disengagement while maintaining a simple overall structure. The pivotal connection provides sufficient locking force through mechanical advantage without requiring complex actuation mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The latching system uses a biasing member that automatically biases the locking member toward the locked position. This self-biasing mechanism ensures reliable engagement without requiring additional actuators or complex control systems. The system serves itself by using the biasing force to maintain the locked state naturally.
2Strength
If conventional containers are used, then the manufacturing cost is low, but the container is not strong enough to hold items securely
Solution Approach 1:
The container is constructed with a composite structure combining a molded base, lid, and integrated latching mechanism. This composite design provides enhanced strength and durability while maintaining ease of manufacture through molding processes. The integration of multiple components into a unified structure improves overall container strength without significantly increasing manufacturing complexity.
3Ease of operation
If conventional latching systems are used, then the structure is simple, but the system may not be easy to use
Solution Approach 1:
The activating member is pivotally engaged and can be easily rotated by the user to move the locking member between locked and unlocked positions. This dynamic, hand-operated mechanism provides intuitive and easy operation without requiring complex electronic controls or multiple steps. The user can simply rotate the activating member to engage or disengage the latch.
4Reliability
If conventional latching systems are used, then the number of parts is small, but the system may engage when user does not want it engaged
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member acts as an intermediary between the latch body and the locking surface. It must be actively moved by the activating member to engage or disengage the latch. This intermediary mechanism prevents unintentional engagement because the locking member will not move unless deliberately actuated by the user through the activating member, providing controlled and reliable engagement.
Data Source
AI summary
A container having a base and a lid is provided. The lid may be rotatable about a hinge from a closed configuration to an open configuration and may be secured, via one or more latching assemblies. The latching assembly may comprise a latch body, a locking member, a biasing member, and an activating member. Additional features of the container may include handles and strength increasing features. The base and lid may also feature attachment points for various accessories. A carry strap may attach to the base of the container to allow a user to lift and carry the container.