Modular Portable Storage Container Latch With Spring Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cargo compartment systems require multiple user interactions for loading and unloading, lack scalability, and are not easily portable across various applications, including private, industrial, and warehouse settings, with high manufacturing complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
A modular portable storage container system with a latch mechanism using a spring latch, latch receiver, and retaining hook, allowing container sections to be securely attached to infrastructure substrates via mounting points, and featuring a slide lock mechanism for enhanced stability and versatility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional cargo compartment system is used, then the cargo can be stored and transported, but multiple user interactions are required for loading and unloading
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is pre-configured with a spring-loaded arm and detent that automatically engages when the container section is placed against the infrastructure substrate. This preliminary arrangement eliminates the need for multiple manual interactions during loading and unloading operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring latch mechanism automatically latches the container section to the infrastructure substrate without requiring continuous user intervention. The spring-loaded arm self-actuates to engage and disengage the detent, providing self-service functionality that improves operational ease and productivity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a scalable storage system is designed, then the system can be adapted to various applications, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The storage system is divided into modular container sections that can be independently manufactured and assembled. Each section includes standardized mounting points and latch mechanisms, allowing the system to be scaled across different applications without increasing manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch mechanism and mounting points are designed with universal compatibility, allowing the same components to be used across different container section sizes and application types. This universality enables scalability while maintaining low manufacturing complexity through standardized production processes.
3Reliability
If a secure latch mechanism is implemented, then the container sections are retained against the infrastructure substrate, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is extracted as a separate, self-contained assembly that can be independently manufactured and installed. This extraction allows for simplified production and maintenance while maintaining secure retention functionality through the spring-loaded arm and detent design.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch mechanism incorporates a dynamic spring-loaded arm that can automatically engage and disengage the detent based on the container section's position relative to the infrastructure substrate. This dynamic behavior provides reliable retention security while keeping the overall device complexity low through mechanical automation.
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 system reduces user interaction during transit, provides scalable and portable storage, and is cost-effective with low complexity, suitable for diverse applications including vehicles, buildings, and shipping containers.
Implementation Method 1
a spring latch, a latch receiver, and a retaining hook. One of the spring latch and the latch receiver is disposed on mounting points disposed either directly or indirectly on the infrastructure substrate while the other of the spring latch and the latch receiver is disposed on the structural frames of each of the first container section and/or the second container section
Data Source
AI summary
A modular portable storage container system includes container sections, each having a frame. A latch mechanism retains the frames against an infrastructure substrate. The latch mechanism has: a spring latch, latch receiver, and retaining hook. The container sections are movable between unlatched and latched positions. When unlatched, the container sections are movable relative to the substrate and when latched the frames of the container sections are retained in contact with mounting points of the substrate via the latch mechanism. The spring latch and the latch engage one another when the container sections are in the latched position, and the retaining hook engages with the frame to rotatably retain the frame. The spring latch and retaining hook include mounting flanges that are selectively slidably and fixedly mountable to mounting points of the infrastructure substrate in one or more positions defined by a size of the container sections.