Multi-Position Ratchet Locking Mechanism for Container Posts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing folding or collapsible container upright locking devices have limitations due to a single locking position, requiring precise alignment and significant maneuvering, leading to potential clearance issues that complicate stacking and safety during use.
Innovation Solution
A removable locking device with two or more teeth or notches on each complementary means, allowing multiple locked positions and distributing holding forces across multiple interfaces, ensuring secure and play-free wedging, and enabling intermediate locking positions for easier upright positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single locking interface is used, then the structure is simple, but the maneuvering amplitude is significant and alignment precision is difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The locking interface is segmented into multiple teeth (at least two teeth on each complementary means) that can engage at different positions. This segmentation allows the upright to be locked at multiple discrete positions (upright position and intermediate positions) without requiring precise alignment, thereby reducing maneuvering amplitude while maintaining structural simplicity.
2Device complexity
If a single locking interface is used, then the device is simple, but the manufacturing precision requirement increases due to alignment difficulties
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the locking interface into multiple discrete teeth, the system provides several possible engagement positions. This reduces the precision required for manufacturing each individual tooth, as the upright can be locked at any of the multiple positions without requiring exact alignment, thereby lowering overall manufacturing precision requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking device allows dynamic positioning at multiple discrete angles rather than requiring a single fixed precise position. The upright can be locked at the upright position or at intermediate positions, providing flexibility that reduces manufacturing precision demands.
3Device complexity
If forces are concentrated at a single contact interface, then the locking mechanism is simple, but the interface must be oversized leading to larger maneuvering amplitudes
Solution Approach 1:
The contact interface is segmented into multiple teeth that can simultaneously engage with complementary teeth. This distributes the locking forces across multiple contact points rather than concentrating them at a single interface, allowing each tooth to be smaller while collectively bearing the full load, thereby reducing maneuvering amplitudes.
4Device complexity
If a single locking position is provided, then the device is simple, but clearance develops over time making stacking difficult and risky
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device provides multiple discrete locking positions (upright position and intermediate positions) rather than a single fixed position. This dynamic positioning capability allows the system to maintain secure locking even after wear and deformation occur, as there are multiple engagement points available, preventing clearance development that would compromise stacking reliability.
Data Source
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AI summary
The device (1) has complementary units (2, 2`) integrated to a post and a base of the container respectively, and forming ratchet/pawl mechanism. The units have two teeth or notches cooperating by mutual engagement to block or lock a post (3) of a container in two lockable or blockable positions, where one position corresponds to a straightened position and another position corresponds to a position closer to the straightened position and shifted in direction of a folded position of the post.