Pivoting Twistlock Latch Assembly for Height-Adjustable Locking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Height-adjustable twistlock assemblies for securing shipping containers to semi-trailer trucks face challenges in maintaining a secure lock across varying heights due to cambered flatbeds, as existing swing and gravity latches do not accommodate height adjustments effectively, especially without handles.
Innovation Solution
A pivoting latch locking assembly with a forked portion and adjustable mounting bracket that secures to the twistlock housing, allowing the latch to pivot between locked and unlocked positions, preventing rotational movement of the locking pin across a range of heights, and can be mounted to pivot in either longitudinal or transverse directions based on available space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing swing latches and gravity latches are used to lock the locking pin, then the locking mechanism is simple and economical, but they do not accommodate height-adjustable twistlock assemblies effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The latch assembly is designed with a pivoting mechanism that allows it to dynamically adjust its position relative to the locking pin. The mounting bracket can be positioned at different locations, and the latch itself can pivot to engage with the locking pin regardless of its vertical position, enabling the system to adapt to height adjustments while maintaining reliable locking
Solution Approach 2:
The latch assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: it can lock the locking pin in the extended position, lock it in the retracted position, and accommodate various vertical positions of the locking pin due to height adjustments. This multi-functionality allows a single latch design to work across different height configurations without compromising reliability
2Reliability
If a latch assembly is designed to lock the locking pin in both extended and retracted positions, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch assembly is segmented into distinct functional components: a mounting bracket for attachment to the housing, a latch body with a forked portion for engaging the locking pin, and a latch pin for securing the latch in position. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall design while maintaining the ability to lock in both extended and retracted positions
Solution Approach 2:
The latch assembly acts as an intermediary mechanism between the locking pin and the housing. Rather than requiring complex direct locking mechanisms, the latch serves as a mediator that can engage with the locking pin at various positions and transmit the locking force to the housing, simplifying the overall locking system while ensuring reliability
Data Source
AI summary
A locking latch assembly for an adjustable-height twistlock assembly includes a mounting bracket configured to be secured to a housing base of the twistlock assembly, a latch having a forked portion configured to engage with a shaft rigidly connected to a locking pin of the twistlock assembly, an axle passing through the mounting bracket, and a latch pin secured on the mounting bracket. The latch is secured around the axle to allow the latch to pivot relative to the mounting bracket. The latch pin engages a first surface of the latch when the latch is in a locked position, and engages a second surface of the latch when the latch is in an unlocked position. The forked portion of the latch is configured to engage with the shaft, in the locked position of the latch, so that the shaft is substantially restricted from rotational movement. The locking pin has a head and a stem, and the shaft is secured to the stem. The stem has an upper bolt hole and a lower bolt hole passing therethrough, the upper bolt hole passing through the stem in a direction perpendicular to the lower bolt hole. The shaft has an upper bolt hole and a lower bolt hole passing therethrough, the upper bolt hole passing through the stem in a same direction as the lower bolt hole. The shaft is adjustably secured to the stem of the locking pin by a bolt passing through the upper bolt holes of the shaft and the stem or passing through the lower bolt holes of the shaft and the stem.