Plastic Produce Container Latch for Secure Access Doors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current banana shipping containers made of corrugated cardboard suffer from damage during inspection and manipulation, and plastic containers lack an easy access door that maintains structural integrity under transportation forces.
Innovation Solution
A plastic container with a movable access door and a latch mechanism that uses projections and clasps to maintain the door in a closed position, preventing unintentional opening due to internal pressure, and allows easy opening with minimal structural compromise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a plastic container with an access door is used, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to risk of unintentional opening during transportation
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism proactively prevents unintentional opening by engaging the catch with the projection before any opening force can occur. The spring-loaded design creates a pre-applied counter-force that opposes any internal pressure or external forces that might cause the door to open during transportation, thus resolving the contradiction between easy access and door stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch mechanism incorporates a spring element that provides dynamic response to forces acting on the door. The spring allows the latch to flex and adapt to varying internal pressures while maintaining reliable engagement, enabling the door to remain securely closed under transportation forces yet easily openable when needed.
2Ease of operation
If the door is made easily accessible, then ease of operation is improved, but structural integrity deteriorates due to potential damage to contents
Solution Approach 1:
The container is segmented into a main body and a movable door section, allowing access without compromising the overall structural integrity of the container. The door is further segmented with a latch mechanism that isolates the opening function from the structural support function, enabling easy access while maintaining container strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The container utilizes a flexible plastic construction that allows for the integration of a movable door without significantly compromising structural integrity. The flexible material enables the door to move and latch while the overall container maintains its strength to protect contents during transportation.
3Reliability
If a latch mechanism is added to prevent unintentional opening, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is designed to be self-actuating through the spring-loaded catch that automatically engages with the projection when the door is closed. This self-service design eliminates the need for additional actuators, motors, or complex control systems, maintaining simplicity while achieving reliable door stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring acts as an intermediary element between the door and the latch, providing the necessary force to engage and disengage the catch with the projection. This simple intermediary component enables reliable latching without requiring complex mechanisms, resolving the contradiction between reliability and 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 provides a lightweight, flexible plastic container with an easily accessible door that maintains structural integrity during transportation, reducing damage and labor intensity in handling and enhancing airflow for ripening control.
Implementation Method 1
a latch coupled to the door by at least one spring at an end of the door
Implementation Method 2
Bananas are refrigerated to between 13.5° and 15° C. (56.3 and 59.0° F.) during transport to suspend the ripening process
Implementation Method 3
Cross-stacking provides better airflow over the bananas, minimizing over-ripening by allowing better release of heat and ethylene gas generated during ripening
Data Source
AI summary
A container having walls, one having a projection including a hook and an exterior surface opposite the hook having an external contact location, the hook extending away from the contact surface, the contact location disposed interiorly of the hook. The container includes a door, and a latch coupled to the door by a spring. The latch comprises a catch and a binding arm, and has a contact surface positioned to fit the projection between the catch and contact surface. The latch has a locked position in which the catch and hook maintain the door in the closed position, and an unlocked position in which the door is movable. The spring biases the latch into the locked position. Sufficient pressure on the latch overcomes the biasing to achieve the unlocked position, to allow the open position to be attained. When in the locked position, the contact surface faces the contact location.