Container Rack Latch Gates for Jam-Free Container Indexing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vertical aeroponic and hydroponic systems face challenges in securely positioning and transferring containers within racks or towers, leading to potential jamming and misalignment issues that cause system downtime.
Innovation Solution
A container rack latch system with gates that can rotate between extended and retracted positions, allowing for secure transfer and indexing of containers within racks or towers, utilizing a force transfer structure and latch actuator mechanism to manage container movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If gates are positioned in extended orientation to prevent container transfer, then container security is improved, but container transfer capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The gates are designed to rotate between extended and retracted positions, transforming from a static barrier to a dynamic component. This allows the system to adapt its state based on operational needs - providing security when containers are stationary and enabling transfer when needed, thus resolving the contradiction between security and transfer capability
Solution Approach 2:
The gate system is divided into multiple independent gates that can be controlled separately. This segmentation allows selective opening of specific gates during transfer operations while maintaining closed positions of other gates, enabling secure container holding when needed and facilitating transfer when required
2Reliability
If multiple gates are used to secure containers, then container positioning reliability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple gates are mechanically linked through a common shaft, merging their control into a single rotational motion. This allows multiple gates to be opened and closed simultaneously through one actuation mechanism, reducing the complexity that would otherwise require multiple independent control systems while maintaining the reliability of multi-point securing
Solution Approach 2:
The shaft mechanism serves multiple functions: it links gates together for synchronized operation, provides a common actuation point for controlling multiple gates, and enables both security holding and transfer operations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate control mechanisms for each gate
3Ease of operation
If gates rotate between extended and retracted positions to enable transfer, then container transfer capability is improved, but positioning precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The gate rotation is designed to complete the opening action before container transfer begins, ensuring that the path is fully cleared in advance. This preliminary action eliminates the risk of gates interfering with container movement, maintaining positioning precision while enabling transfer capability
Data Source
AI summary
A container rack latch system is provided that can retain and index containers into and within a rack. The container rack latch system can include a container supporting surface, a first gate at a proximal end of the system and a second gate spaced from the proximal end of the system. The gates can be configured to operate in an extended orientation to prevent transfer of a container positioned on the container supporting surface into or out of the rack. The gates can be configured to operate in a retracted orientation to permit transfer of a container out of the rack or transfer further into the rack and beyond the spaced gates. The container rack latch system can be a part of a container transfer system that can include a container transfer carriage for moving containers into and away from the supporting surface of the container rack latch system.